Teaching Assistant

Location: Felixstowe

Vacancy Type: Permanent, term time plus one week, 32.5 hours a week.

Salary: Scale 4 – 6 £26,016 - £26,847 FTE per annum £19,648 - £20,652 pro rata including an allowance for holiday pay

This is a school in which our community and the children in our care are at the heart of everything we do. I am very proud of our school and the work that all our children and staff do here. We believe in supporting the whole child as an individual and our school has something for everyone throughout their journey from Reception to Year 6.

As a small local school, we aim to create an outstanding learning community for each and every pupil; inspiring them with a love of learning and ensuring that they have the appropriate skills to help move forward confidently up to high school.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated and supportive team. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils’ learning, wellbeing and development, you will help ensure that every child is supported to thrive and achieve their full potential. We are looking for someone with a positive, proactive ‘can do’ attitude, an excellent communicator, a colleague who is flexible and welcomes the fact that two days are never the same and the ability to build strong relationships with pupils, colleagues and families. A willingness to contribute to the wider life of the school is essential. Above all, you will be a positive role model who is patient, calm, confident and consistent, with the ability to encourage, motivate and inspire pupils to succeed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The professional competencies expected of a Teaching Assistant are:

• The ability to communicate clearly and tactfully using appropriate methods and an awareness of the impact of your own communication on others;
• Able to maintain positive relationships with all and able to work as an effective and flexible part of a team; willing to change methods of work and routines to benefit the team;
• Be able to multi-task and work under pressure;
• Be flexible and resilient in managing and executing their daily responsibilities;
• Able to demonstrate strong planning and organisational skills;
• Willingness to accept responsibility for your own actions;
• The ability to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and accept challenges.

The qualifications and experience required of a Teaching Assistant are:

• A minimum of a grade C / 4, or equivalent, in English and Maths GCSE.
• Understanding of SEN code of practice and inclusive practice within a school setting;
• Experience of working with SEND and vulnerable students;
• Knowledge of school curriculum and the academic expectations of year groups;
• Experience of working in small group and on a 1:1 basis with students;
• Experience of administrative and reprographic tasks.

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Ability to complete a range of administrative tasks;
• Excellent organisation skills;
• Able to follow teachers' instructions with commitment and efficiency;
• Ability to promote inclusive practice across the school;
• Explain tasks simply and clearly and foster independence;
• Able to maintain excellent records of the impact of their work on student progress;
• Ability to reflect and develop practice.

Personal/Professional Qualities

Essential

• Able to establish positive and respectful relationships with all students;
• Consistently high expectations of self and others;
• An effective team player; but able to think and work independently;
• High standards or integrity and approachability;
• Democratic, sensitive and displays a good sense of humour;
• Discrete, flexible and collaborative

JOB SPECIFICATION

General Responsibilities

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment. You will provide both one-to-one and small group support, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND, can access learning in a way that suits their individual needs. Your role will be crucial in fostering pupils’ confidence, independence, and love for learning. You will also support positive behaviour management, helping pupils develop self-regulation and social skills.

Applications will be considered upon receipt; therefore, early applications are encouraged.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Sapientia Education Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, therefore all applicants must be prepared to undergo a number of checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The Trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. In accordance with the Department of Education’s “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, references will be sought on all short-listed candidates before interview.