Permanent Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Salary: NJC Scale 8 £29,777 (FTE, Pro Rata, Term-Time)
plus £2000.00 CAA SEN Allowance (pro rata) on satisfactory completion of probationary period
Hours: 35 hours per week (Term-Time Only)
Start Date: 2nd September 2024 (NOR 56, Mixed, 4-19 years)
‘To provide children and young people with autism in Cumbria, the opportunity to reach their full potential in life by preparing them for adulthood, so they may lead fulfilled, happy and purposeful lives’
We are currently looking to recruit an enthusiastic, inspirational and well-organised HLTA to further develop our amazing support team.
We provide education for pupils aged between 4 and 19 years who have a primary need and diagnosis of Autism and who may be suffering social, emotional and behavioural problems in mainstream Education. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our provision.
Main Roles and Responsibilities:
Assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupils’ learning.
• Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
• To work intensively with identified students with complex ASD needs who exhibit behaviours that challenge and follow specific and individualised plans and strategies and adapt them as the needs arise.
• Develop and implement behaviour and communication strategies (including Makaton, BSL – specific reference to “finger spelling” and PECs) for identified students. Detailed understanding of communication methods is essential.
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom.
• Support pupil consistency whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs.
• Encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all pupils in activities. • Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance.
• Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement.
• Organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources.
• Within an agreed system of supervision, plan challenging teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate.
• Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre-determined learning objectives including the use of SOLAR.
• Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence.
• Record progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically and provide evidence of range and levels of progress and attainment.
• Work within an established discipline policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self-control and independence.
• Supporting the role of parents in pupils’ learning and contribute to/lead meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement etc.
• Production of lesson plans, worksheet, plans etc that are adapted to meet needs of learners.
• Deliver learning activities to pupils within agreed systems of supervision/adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs.
• Deliver local and national learning strategies e.g. Literacy, Numeracy, KS3, early years and make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of pupils’ skills.
• Use of ICT effectively to support learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use. Detailed working knowledge of Proloquo2Go is essential.
• Select and prepare resources necessary to lead learning activities, taking account of pupils interest and language and cultural backgrounds.
• Undertake cover for absent colleagues, as appropriate.
• Advise on appropriate deployment and use of specialist aid/resources/equipment. Cumbria Academy for Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils.
• Take the initiative to develop appropriate multi-agency approaches to supporting pupils
• Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise and support others.
• Contribute to the identification and execution of appropriate out of academy learning activities, which consolidate and extend work carried out in class.
General
• To develop excellent working relationships with colleagues internally, centrally and externally.
• To be an effective and flexible member of the Team, contributing to the successful adherence to Safeguarding Policy.
• To uphold the Academy policies and procedures at all times.
• To ensure any documentation produced is to a high standard and is in line with the in-house style.
• Be aware and comply with policies and procedures relating to Safeguarding, child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to the appropriate person.
• Participate in and deliver training as required. Specific reference to communication.
• Participate in the Academy’s Performance Management process.
• Provide appropriate guidance and supervision and assist in the training and development of staff as appropriate.
• To represent the Academy at events as appropriate.
• Support and promote the Academy ethos.
• To undertake any other duties and responsibilities as required that are covered by the general scope of the post
Specification:
• Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent
• Experience of working in an educational setting (preferably SEN)
• Experience of planning and leading teaching and learning activities
• Other relevant training including First Aid, Safeguarding, Team Teach
• Excellent Communication Skills
In return for your hard work and commitment to the role, Cumbria Academy for Autism will offer:
● Competitive salary;
● Local Government Pension Scheme;
● The opportunity to join a supportive team to meet the needs of the pupils;
● The support to progress and develop your career advancement and opportunities;
● A fun and caring environment to work within.
Cumbria Academy for Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff to act in the best interests of our pupils at all times. Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
If you would like to arrange a visit to the school, please contact the school admin team on 01900 517632
For an application pack, please contact [email protected]
CLOSING DATE: Friday 28th June at noon
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils and staff, and of preventing extremism. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Any offer of employment for this post will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and satisfactory references.
Cumbria Academy for Autism is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from a range of backgrounds to represent diversity in line with our community ethos.