SEN Teaching Assistant

Job Introduction

SEN teaching assistant

Job description

St Andrew’s Primary School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership. 

Main purpose

The teaching assistant (TA) will: 

• Provide learning and care support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN), either with a class, group or on a 1:1 level 
• Work with the teacher to plan and deliver activities 
• Support pupils with routines, transitions and behaviour management 

Duties and responsibilities

Supporting pupils to access learning:

• Build positive relationships with pupils, promoting high self-esteem and independence  
• Adapt communication style to respond to pupils according to their individual needs, particularly for children who are non-verbal 
• Support pupils with physical needs, which could include personal care or specialised need (for which training will be provided) 
• Support pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate 
• Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school’s behaviour policy and guidelines on physical intervention  
• Assist with the development and delivery of individual education and support plans   
• Contribute to the delivery of differentiated learning activities for individual or small groups of pupils with special educational needs (SEN)  
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning 
• Through observations, provide regular feedback to teachers on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning   
• Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and work of the school  

Professional development:

• Keep own knowledge and understanding relevant and up to date by reflecting on practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness   
• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school  
• Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures

Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding:

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies   
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school 

Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the postholder will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the headteacher or line manager.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.