Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Elm Tree Primary Academy is a new special school in Sandwell for autistic pupils from Reception to Year 6 who have additional learning needs. Phase 1 opened in September 2022 with a Reception class and Y1 class and Phase 2 will open as a brand new build in September 2023 in Friar Park Road Wednesbury. This is a very exciting opportunity for Victoria Academies Trust who are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant. We are looking for candidates who: - Creative thinkers, passionate, committed and have the determination to secure the best possible outcomes for every child - Have the experience and skills to work with autistic pupils - Energetic, positive and have the ability to work effectively as part of our team - Would like the opportunity to develop their leadership skills - Willing to go the extra mile to make great things happen for our children - Are keen to be involved in shaping the curriculum and improving learning opportunities We can offer the successful candidates: - A commitment to continuing professional development - A supportive and hardworking staff team - Happy to discuss flexible working Support to Pupils Assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupil’s learning. Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations. Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs. Encourage pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all pupils in activities. Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance. Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement. Support to Teachers Organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources. Within an agreed system of supervision, plan challenging teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate. Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre determined learning objectives. Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence. Record progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically and providing evidence of range and level of progress and attainment.… Work within an established positive support policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self control and independence. Supporting the role of parents in pupils’ learning and contribute to/lead meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement etc. Production planning in line with school’s procedures Support for the Curriculum Deliver learning activities to pupils within agreed system of supervision, adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs. Deliver local and national learning strategies e.g. literacy, numeracy, early years and make effective use of opportunities provided by other learning activities to support the development of pupils’ skills. Use ICT effectively to support learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use. Select and prepare resources necessary to lead learning activities, taking account of pupils’ interests and language and cultural backgrounds. Advise on appropriate deployment and use of specialist aid/resources/equipment. Support for the School Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person. Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop. Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school. Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils Take the initiative as appropriate to develop multiagency approaches to supporting pupils Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise and support others. Where appropriate, deliver out of school learning activities, within guidelines established by the school. Undertake mentoring and appraisal duties as required Undertake mentoring and appraisal duties as required Other duties To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of the job. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To act professionally and with integrity at all times. The duties described in this job description must be carried out in a manner that promotes equality of opportunity, dignity and due respect for all pupils, parents, colleagues and the wider community and is consistent with the trust’s equal opportunities policy. 1. To participate in the operation of the Trust’s Appraisal Scheme. 2. It is your responsibility to carry out your duties in line with the Trust policy on equality and be sensitive and caring to the needs of the disadvantaged, promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment. You should act as an exemplar on these issues and should identify and monitor training for yourself and any employees for whom you are responsible, in line with this policy, the Equality Standard and obligations under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. 3. Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the school or Trust in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes. 4. The post holder must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to the Trust policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work. This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. The particular duties and responsibilities listed above may be subject to reasonable change from time to time following consultation between the Head Teacher/ SLT with the postholder. Elm Tree Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search as part of our recruitment process. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure which confirms the appointee is not on the Children’s Barred list being obtained. If you are shortlisted you will be asked to disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) PERSONAL SPECIFICATION Qualifications and Experience HLTA qualifications Experience of working with reception, key stage 1 and 2 pupils A minimum of 3yrs school based experience Experience of teaching individuals, small groups and classes At least grade C/4 GCSE Maths and English Evidence of CPD A commitment to future professional development Knowledge and Experience of Primary Curriculum Knowledge and understanding of Equal Opportunities Knowledge of Health and Safety issues Training Willing to attend relevant training Knowledge and Skills Understands the needs of autistic pupils and pupils with communication difficulties. Understand the needs of pupils with learning needs. Be computer literate. Work with individual or small groups of pupils with additional needs To be able to support teaching staff in the assessment of academic achievement and pupil need. Take a role in raising pupils’ aspirations and independence. Support staff to create a positive learning environment. Experience of designing and delivering programmes of work in collaboration with teachers and other specialists. Personal Qualities Able communicator Good organisational skills Commitment, enthusiasm, a sense of humour and determination to succeed. A capacity for hard work and an aptitude to work as part of the wider staff team. Demonstrate an ability to work with pupils and families in a sensitive and positive way. Be able to work independently To develop knowledge through the evaluation of own learning needs Commitment to the following Pupils with additional needs. Raising standards for pupils Setting a good example in terms of dress, punctuality and attendance. An enthusiasm and determination to support the vision and values of the school community. Legal Requirements Enhanced DBS clearance.