Job Overview

D’Auvergne School is looking for an experienced Keyworker to support children with barriers to learning. The successful candidate will have experience of working with children with cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges.

We are looking for someone who has great enthusiasm to enable all children to achieve their very best. The post is for 31.5 hours a week with the possibility of extra hours supporting our extensive After School Club. We are the largest primary school in Jersey with an amazing school community.

An informal chat with the SENDCO Lead, Sally Lacy-Kerr, is strongly recommended prior to application (Tel: 01534 625858, s.lacykerr@dauvergne.sch.je )

d’Auvergne is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As an inclusive employer we will create opportunities for flexible working to attract and retain talent which reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

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.

Statutory Responsibilities

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

Procedure and Scope

Although the postholder 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 postholder 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

Lead Keyworkers/Lead Teaching Assistants are expected to undertake their own programmes (which have been planned with the class teacher or Educational Needs Co-ordinator) with groups or individual students.  Weekly meetings will be held with the class teacher or Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

Person specification

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.

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

• 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.

Experience

• Working with or caring for children of relevant age
• 2 years’ experience in working with students
• Have worked in all Key Stages across the school