Teaching Assistant

Main Purposes of Role:

To work with teachers and pupils to support teaching and learning, for all pupils including those with SEND, by working with individuals or small groups of pupils under the direction of the teaching staff and may be responsible for some learning activities within the overall teaching plan.

To provide specialist assistance to pupils who need particular help to overcome barriers to learning, including as those with moderate, severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties and/or behaviour, social, communication, sensory or physical disabilities.

Responsibilities

Implement planned learning activities/teaching programmes, as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to pupils’ responses as appropriate

Participating in planning and evaluation of learned activities with the teacher, providing feedback to the teacher on pupil progress and behaviour

Support the teacher in monitoring, assessing and recording pupil progress/activities

Support learning by arranging/providing resources for lessons/activities under the direction of the teacher

Support pupils in social and emotional well-being, reporting problems to the teacher as appropriate

Understand and support independent learning and inclusion of all pupils as required

Provide learning activities for individuals and groups of pupils under the professional direction and supervision of a qualified teacher, differentiating and adapting learning programmes to suit the needs of allocated pupils with SEN

Plan and evaluate specialist learning activities with the teacher, writing reports and records as required

Work with pupils on therapy programmes, designed and supervised by a therapist/care professional

Monitor, assess, record and report on development, progress and attainment, as agreed with the teacher, drawing and problems which cannot be resolved to the attention of the teacher

Select and adapt appropriate resources/methods to facilitate agreed learning activities

Be involved in planning, organising and implementing individual development plans for pupils (such as Individual Education Plans), including attendance at, and contribution to, reviews

Attend to pupils’ personal needs including toileting, hygiene, dressing and eating, as well as help with social, welfare and health matters.

Teaching Assistants in this role may also undertake some or all of the following:

Work with individual pupils with special educational needs and those for whom English is not their first language

Support the work of volunteers or other teaching assistants in the classroom

Support the use of ICT in the curriculum

Invigilate exams and tests

Assist in the escorting and supervising pupils on educational visits and out of school activities

Select, prepare and clear away classroom materials and learning areas ensuring they are available for use, including developing and presenting displays

Support pupils in developing and implementing their own personal and social development

Monitor and manage stock and supplies for the classroom

Be responsible for the preparation, maintenance and control of stocks of materials and resources

Provide short term cover supervision of classes

Supervise individuals and groups of pupils in the playground and dining areas

Monitor pupils’ conduct and behaviour throughout the learning process and intervene to resolve complex, difficult or very challenging issues

Work with pupils not working to normal timetable

Establish and maintain relationships with families and carers and other adults, e.g. speech therapists

Advise and assist pupils in the proper use and deployment of complex personal and learning aides and equipment

Administer medication in accordance with an agreed plan under direction of healthcare practitioner and following appropriate training

Equalities

Be aware of and support difference and ensure that pupils have equality of access to opportunities to learn and develop

Health and Safety

Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection; and report all concerns to an appropriate person

Disclosure and Barring Check

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An enhanced disclosure will be sought through the DBS as part of REAch2’s pre-employment checks.