Assistant Teacher Apprenticeship

Overall Purpose

To assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupil to whom you are assigned, to enable him/her to make best use of the educational opportunities available to them.

You will support a child that requires support both in class and 1:1. Due to the nature of the child's needs it is essential that you are able to build a strong rapport with them and offer them continued and consistent support. You will be required to offer pastoral support and care to the child whenever necessary. Therefore, we are looking for someone who can act as a strong role model, who is consistent, resilient and confident.

Job Description:

To aid the pupil to learn as effectively as possible both in group situations and on his/her own by, for example:

• Clarifying and explaining instructions
• Ensuring the pupil is able to use equipment and materials provided
• Motivating and encouraging the pupil as required by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to pupils’ needs
• Assisting in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, reading, spelling, numeracy, handwriting/presentation etc
• Using praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the pupil to concentrate and stay on task
• Liaising with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about individual education plans (IEPs), contributing to the planning and delivery as appropriate
• Providing additional nurture when requested by the class teacher or SENCO
• Consistently and effectively implementing agreed behaviour management strategies
• Helping to make appropriate resources to support the pupil

To establish supportive relationships with the pupil concerned

To promote the acceptance and inclusion of the pupil with SEN, encouraging pupils to interact with each other in an appropriate and acceptable manner

Monitor the pupil’s response to the learning activities and, where appropriate, modify or adapt the activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve the intended learning outcomes.

To give positive encouragement, feedback and praise to reinforce and sustain the pupil’s efforts and develop self-reliance and self-esteem.

To mark pupils’ work under the direction of the class teacher

To support the pupil in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom

To support the use of ICT in learning activities and with specific programmes to support learning.

To provide regular feedback on the pupil’s learning and behaviour to the teacher/SENCO, including feedback on the effectiveness of the behaviour strategies adopted

Under the direction of the teacher, carry out and report on systematic observations of pupils to gather evidence of their knowledge, understanding and skills upon which the teacher makes judgements about their stage of development

Where appropriate, to know and apply positive handling techniques

To know and apply school policies on Child Protection, Health and Safety, Behaviour, Teaching and Learning, Equal Opportunities etc

Where appropriate to develop a relationship to foster links between home and school, and to keep the school informed of relevant information

To be aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school

To contribute towards reviews of the pupil’s progress as appropriate

To comply with legal and organisational requirements for maintaining the health, safety and security of yourself and others in the learning environment

To take part in training activities offered by the school to further knowledge and skills of working with a child with specific learning difficulties

To be willing to support playground/break time supervision e.g. educational games, homework clubs etc