Job Purpose

To provide the teaching staff with appropriate support in the planning, implementation and monitoring of education programmes to enable access to learning of students and to assist the teacher in the management of students and the classroom.

To provide the teaching staff with appropriate support in the planning, implementation and monitoring of special educational programmes to meet the needs of individuals or small groups with special educational needs.  To support the physical welfare of the students, both in an integrated and extraction situation and supervise medication as prescribed by a physician.

The role is 32.5 hours per week - term time only (with the option of additional hours if desired)

For an informal discussion regarding this role please contact - r.nelson@dauvergne.sch.je

Principle Accountabilities

Supervise and provide particular support for students, including those with special needs, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities in line with the curriculum.

Plan individual programmes against learning objectives.  Give feedback to the team on the progress and behaviour of the individual group or pupil within the special needs area.  Observe and monitor the development of specific students, recording appropriately and applying this knowledge to future planning. 

Implement agreed work programmes/practical lessons under the guidance of the teacher.

Take lead responsibility for co-ordination of a school activity.  Supervise and assess the students in planned activities within the curriculum areas in the manner best suited to the individual needs.

Accompany teaching staff on visits, trips and out of school activities where appropriate. Transporting and supporting physically disabled and special needs students where necessary.

Principle Accountabilities

Assist with the supervision of students out of lesson times, including before and   after school and at lunchtimes.

Attend to the students’ personal needs, and implement related personal programmes, including social, health, physical, hygiene and welfare matters. Care for sick, distressed and injured children carrying out the necessary first aid and take the appropriate follow-up action necessary through the agreed school policy.  Contribute to specific reports when requested by consultants, GPs and parents on students with medical problems.

Provide clerical/administrative support e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, collecting money etc.

 Support and develop partnerships with parents, liaising with them, with the support of the teacher in charge and Senior Teaching Assistant/Team Leader, to ensure consistency in approach for the students.

 Supervise whole classes occasionally during short-term absence of teachers.  The primary focus will be to maintain good order and to keep students on task

Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection.  Report all concerns to an appropriate person.

Working Procedure and scope

The postholder will:-

Work with groups of students to carry out specific programmes.  These may not necessarily take place in the classroom.  The types of programmes could include computer-based programmes or early literacy support for which the postholder would have specific training.

Ensure that the necessary differentiated resources are in place to undertake these specific programmes.

Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students within the classroom.

Postholders will work across all Key Stages within school/s or provide linkwork to other schools.

Dimensions

Financial

No direct financial responsibility

Staffing

No staffing responsibilities

Relevant Statistics

There are 22 non-fee paying primary schools, four non-fee paying secondary schools for students aged 11 to 16 years and one non-fee paying school for students aged 14 to 18 years. At the age of 14 students who are more academically able may transfer to this latter school.

There are four schools in the Island catering for children with special needs. Each secondary school and some primary schools have further provision for children with particular needs.

In addition, there are two fee paying primary schools and two fee paying secondary schools in the States sector.

Post 16 education is available for students in five local schools and at Highlands College.

Impact on the Organisation/Dept./Section

Teaching assistants/keyworkers have many positive effects on pupil performance.  In particular, they are able to deliver concentrated levels of support to specific individuals or small groups of students. 

The areas to which a Key Worker/Teaching Assistant may be required to work within either the Foundation Stage or within a resource provision, e.g. hearing impaired, communication support units (autism), and physical difficulties

Qualifications

Numeracy/literacy skills to a minimum level 2 standard.

NVQ 3 or equivalent qualification or Diploma in Childcare Education at Level 3 plus 2 years’ relevant experience

Training in at least two relevant strategies, e.g. literacy and/or in particular curriculum or learning area, e.g. bi-lingual, sign language Level 2, dyslexia, etc.

Paediatric First Aid training

Knowledge and skills

Effective use of ICT to support learning

Use of other equipment technology – video, photocopier

Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation

Working knowledge of curriculum and other relevant learning programmes/strategies

Understanding of principles of child development and learning processes

Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities

Ability to relate well to children and adults

Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these

Knowledge of Health and Safety

Ability to plan effective actions for students who require support to progress their learning or who require specific support to facilitate their accessing of learning opportunities.

Have an understanding of the range of support services/providers/agencies.

The ability to communicate at all levels while exercising a high degree of confidentiality is essential.

Personal Attributes

Although the post holder will be working under the guidance of a teacher, there will be occasions when they need to make decisions and use their initiative.  They must be flexible and able to cope with changing situations within the classroom.  Be patient but firm, remain calm and deal with others in a tactful and sensitive manner.  Working within a team, the post holder will need to share ideas and information as well as accept advice.  They must have the ability to build good working relationships with both adults and children