Teaching Assistant – KS1
Exciting opportunity to contribute to a growing school, uniquely located in a park setting in West London.
Start date: 1st September 2022
Salary: £23,002.68 depending on experience, Ark MPS (Inner London). We will welcome applications from NQTs and experienced teachers.
Location: Acton, London
Nearest Tube station: Acton Town
Nearest Overground station: Acton Central
Deadline: noon on Thursday 7th July 2022
Interview dates: Monday 11th July 2022
Join Us
Joining Ark Byron is an exciting opportunity to help develop a relatively young school, which has had its first Year 6 this year and embark on a rewarding career path within the Ark Multi-Academy Trust.
We are based in a new, purpose-built building in a fantastic park setting on the edge of Acton Park, with views of trees from every room. We make use of this unique resource through integrating outdoor learning into our curriculum.
Life at our School
Ark Byron Primary Academy is a two-form entry primary school that opened in September 2015 and currently has 420 pupils across seven year groups from Reception to Year 6.
Our motto, “Courage to reach for the sky!” reflects Ark Byron’s high expectations for every child. By aiming high and setting ambitious goals, we believe that pupils will be able to reach their full potential, though this will require real effort and persistence. We support our pupils to show courage and take risks to improve, learn new things and embrace new experiences, so that they become resilient and equipped to deal with life and to be both successful and happy.
We encourage children and adults to follow the Ark Byron values of “Exploration, Endeavour and Excellence” in everything they do.
Our community is already very strong and we are fortunate to have an extremely committed and supportive parent body. The diversity of our student body is a source of pride to us, celebrating all backgrounds and cultures.
Our ideal candidate will:
- be a positive role model for the pupils in your care,
- believe in the potential of every child and be committed to seeing that every child reaches that potential,
- be able to inspire learning beyond the classroom, ensuring that learning does not stop once the school day ends,
· possess the skills and determination to make a significant difference to the lives of the children,
· be enthusiastic to contribute to the success of this exciting young learning community.
Applications must be received by noon on Thursday 7th July 2022. We will review applications as we receive them and may contact applicants before the closing date. Interviews will take place from Monday 11th July 2022.
If you have any queries regarding your application, please contact Vanessa Watson on v.watson@arkbyron.org.
Ark is committed to safeguarding children; successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Job Description: Teaching Assistant
Reporting to: Principal
Location: Ark Byron Primary Academy
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary: Ark Support Scale 4: Pay Points 3 - £23,002.68
The Role
To deliver outstanding teaching and learning that drives achievement and inspires a lot of learning.
Key Responsibilities
Learning Support
· Support pupil learning through the delivery of specific learning programmes, setting high expectations whilst encouraging their independence and building their confidence
· Promote inclusion, encouraging pupils to interact and work collaboratively
· Work with the SENCO and other teachers to assess the needs of individual children, contribute to and implement Individual Education Plans
· Adapt and develop resources for EAL and SEND pupils, ensuring their safety and enabling them to access the curriculum
· Assist with follow-through for related services (speech/language/physical therapy etc.)
· Mentor students on a 1:1 and group basis, as well as planning and leading a series of booster and intervention sessions to tackle difficult topics
· Observe, record and feedback information of pupil performance
· Assist in creating materials for curriculum delivery and display boards
· Assist with whole class teaching
· Use strategies, in liaison with the teacher to assist in behaviour management and to support pupils in their learning objectives
· Assist pupils' achievement outside of the classroom, e.g. computer lab, library
Support for the school
· Supervise pupils in playgrounds, lunchrooms etc and assist with general pastoral care
· Accompany teachers and pupils on trips and out of school activities as required within contract hours, taking responsibility for pupils under the supervision of the teacher
Other
· Actively promote the safety and welfare of our children and young people
· Ensure compliance with Arks data protection rules and procedures
· Liaise with colleagues and external contacts at all levels of seniority with confidence, tact and diplomacy
· Work with Ark Central and other academies in the Ark network, to establish good practice throughout the network, offering support where required
This job description is not an exhaustive list and you will be expected to carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by your line manager.
Person Specification: Teaching Assistant
Qualifications
· Maths and English GCSE or equivalent at grade C or above (or equiv.)
· Certified teach assistant course or training or willingness to undertake this
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
· Experience establishing successful learning relationships with students at the relevant age, treating them consistently with respect and consideration
· Experience of the role of a TA including; classroom organisation and management, supporting the planning and delivery of the curriculum, implementing behaviour and learning strategies
· Good working knowledge of the national curriculum
· Good numeracy and literacy skills
· Good administrative, organisational and computer skills
· Competent with computers and other technology
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children and adults
· Able to deal with minor incidents, first aid, and pupil’s personal health and hygiene
· Able to speak another language, play a musical instrument or coach a sport (desirable)
Behaviours
· Genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every pupil
· A robust awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and you understand how and when to take appropriate action.
· Belief that every student should have access to an excellent education regardless of background
· Professional outlook, detailed orientated and able to multi task and meet deadlines
· A team player that can work collaboratively as well as using own initiative
· Helpful, positive, patient and caring nature
· Calm and professional under pressure
· Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion
· Flexible attitude towards work and demonstrates sound judgement
Other
· Right to work in the UK
· Commitment to equality of opportunity and the safeguarding and welfare of all students
· Willingness to undertake training
· This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check
This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for the role.
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. This process is outlined here, but can be provided in more detail if requested. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.