Teaching Assistant

Fixed Term, Part Time, Teaching Assistant

27.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8.45am – 3.15pm. Term Time Only

PCD5 FTE Salary : £23,893 per annum pro rata – Hourly rate £12.38, term time only

The Governors at Distington Community School are seeking to appoint an experienced Teaching Assistant (Level 2) to work mainly as a one to one support from 1st September 2024 until 18th July 2025 (subject to the needs of the pupil, and the pupil remaining at Distington Community School) This post is fixed term due to unconfirmed EHCP funding. 

Main functions: to assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupil you have been assigned, to enable him/her to make best use of educational opportunities available to them. 

1.    To aid the pupil to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on his/her own by, for example:
-    Clarifying and explaining instructions.
-    Ensuring the pupil can use equipment and materials provided.
-    Motivating and encouraging the pupil(s) as required by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to the child’s needs.
-    Assisting in weaker areas of need and following planned lessons or schemes of work.
-    Network with class teacher, parents, SENDCO and other professionals about Individual Education Plans and Educational Health Care Plans, contributing to the planning, delivery, and review process where necessary.
-    Provide additional nurture to individuals when requested by the class teacher or SENDCO.
-    Use own initiative and experience to plan and deliver stimulating and meaningful tasks. 
2.    To establish supportive relationships with pupil(s) involved. 
3.    To promote the acceptance and inclusion of the pupil, encouraging the pupil to interact with others in an appropriate and exceptional manor. 
4.    Monitor the pupil’s response to learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt activities. 
5.    To give positive encouragement and feedback and praise to reinforce and sustain the pupil’s efforts and develop self-resilience.
6.    To support the pupil in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom.
7.    To provide regular feedback on the pupil’s learning and behaviour to the teacher/SENDCO, including feedback on the strategies adopted. 
8.    Where appropriate, to know and apply positive handling strategies techniques for which training will be provided if needed. 
9.    To know and comply with the school’s policies. 
10.    To implement and follow reasonable adaptations to learning and the class environment.
11.    To take part in training activities offered by the school to further knowledge and skills of working with a child with specific learning needs. 
In return we can offer:
-    A collaborative working environment with supporting staff
-    An experienced team who will off a high level of support. 
-    CPD opportunities 
-    A school that ensures that the safeguarding and mental health and well-being of pupils and staff is a priority. 

Distington Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Therefore, an enhanced DBS check including the barred list will be required for the successful candidate and other procedures and checks will be followed as laid out in our Safer Recruitment Policy. 

Please contact the school if you wish to discuss the job role further and ask any questions you may have.

Application forms and further information is available on our school website https://www.distington-comm.cumbria.sch.uk/vacancies/

Completed application forms to be submitted to admin@distington-comm.cumbria.sch.uk

Closing date is Thursday 6th June at 12pm
Short listing of candidates will take place on Thursday 6th June / Friday 7th June.
Interviews will take place on Friday 14th June.