Polaris Education - Apple Orchard School One to One L3 Teaching Assistant
Contract type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £20,422 - £21,111.51
Contract term: 12 month fixed term contract - Term Time Only
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Hours: 08:30 - 16:30
At Apple Orchard, we specialise in working with adolescent males who have complex needs associated with early trauma. Working in a trauma-informed way, we seek to develop the whole person, allowing them to move on and reach transitional milestones.
We are seeking to appoint a One to One Teaching Assistant to join our staff team. This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:30, term time only. The role is mainly based at one site, but can involve supporting at local PE venues and latterly college settings.
Job Purpose
To assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupil to whom you are assigned, to enable him/her to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them (Apple Orchard School / Further Education establishment).
Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks
Working with the Headteacher and class teachers to:
Work in line with the therapeutic approach adopted by the Apple Orchard environment
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 is able to 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 appropriate to pupils' needs
Assist in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, reading, spelling, numeracy, handwriting/presentation
Use praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the pupil to concentrate and stay on task
Liaise with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about Individual Personal Education Plans (PEPs), contributing to planning and delivery as appropriate
Provide additional nurture to individuals when requested by the class teacher or SENCO
Be consistent and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategies
Establish supportive relationships with the pupil concerned
Promote the acceptance and inclusion of pupils with SEN, encouraging appropriate interaction between pupils
Monitor pupils' responses to learning activities and modify/adapt activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve intended learning outcomes
Give positive encouragement, feedback and praise to reinforce and sustain pupils' efforts and develop self-reliance and self-esteem
Support pupils in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom
Provide regular feedback on pupils' learning and behaviour to the teacher/SENCO, including feedback on the effectiveness of behaviour strategies
Know and apply school policies
Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school
Contribute towards reviews of pupils' progress as appropriate
Comply with legal and organisational requirements for health, safety and security
Take part in training activities offered by the school to further knowledge and skills of working with students with specific learning difficulties
Support break and lunchtime supervision in accordance with the school rota
Accompany teacher and pupils on educational visits
Provide individual support, as required, during examination sessions
Carry out duties in accordance with the Education Department's Equal Opportunities Policy
Contribute positively and effectively to the Every Child Matters Agenda
Person Specification Qualifications
Minimum qualification of GCSE A-C or equivalent in Maths and English
Understanding of the challenges of supporting students with Emotional, Behavioural or Social needs
Ability to work as part of a close team
Desirable: experience of working within a specialist environment
Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
