Grade 1 Teaching Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for Essential

• Have experience of working with children
• Have a calm, non-confrontational manner
• Be polite when dealing with children
• Be able to understand and carry out instructions accurately
• Have care and supervision skills
• Respect confidentiality
• Be able to work as part of a team
• Have high expectations for all children
• Be prepared to participate in training
• Display a commitment towards safe‑guarding young people
• Be enthusiastic, flexible and have a sense of humour

• Have an understanding of the curriculum for the Foundation Stage and/or Key Stage 1 or 2
• A learning support qualification

• A supportive and welcoming staff team
• A strong commitment to professional development and training
• Opportunities to work in a creative, nurturing environment where every child is valued
• The chance to make a real impact on children’s lives every day

Under the direction and control of the classroom teacher or designated supervisor:

• Supervise the activities of individuals or groups of children to ensure their safety and facilitate their physical and emotional development.
• Undertake those activities necessary to meet the physical and emotional needs of individuals and groups of children, including pupils with educational, physical or emotional special needs.
• To monitor individual pupil’s problems, progress, achievements and condition and report these to the designated supervisor as appropriate.
• Actively engage in the pre‑determined educational activities and work programmes at a basic level and to assist in personal and individual development of individuals or groups of pupils.
• To assist the teacher with learning activities generally in the classroom.
• To carry out appropriate activities as planned within the classroom or with groups of pupils.
• To display and present children’s work.
• To prepare resources for lessons and activities.
• Assistance with the physical manipulation of objects and equipment.
• General supervision, counselling and discipline of children and students, within the procedures of the school.
• To assist the teacher in liaising with parents and outside agencies/professionals.
• To assist at an appropriate level with the provision of general care and welfare of children including:
  • Assistance with the personal hygiene routine, e.g. toilet training, changing of incontinent children, dressing and undressing;
  • The changing of soiled clothing including its disposal in the appropriate way;
  • Assisting with children’s injuries and where qualified, administering basic first aid;
  • To assist with the identification and monitoring of children’s general health and welfare.
• Helping the teacher with tasks.
• Hearing children read.
• Supporting children to be independent by helping them with tasks.
• Answering questions from pupils.
• Providing support for the Literacy and Numeracy.
• Assisting with supervision of children within the school.
• Assisting the pupil to access the normal routines of the classroom.
• Preparation or modification of the work for the child under the direction of the class teacher, and supporting the child in carrying out this work.
• Assisting in the implementation of programmes designed by other professionals such as educational psychologists, and speech and language therapists.
• To contribute to meetings to discuss the specific child’s progress.
• Assist with the provision of general care and welfare to pupils and to be mindful of the need to maintain a safe environment at all times.
• Adhering to and maintaining school routine and codes of conduct.
• Supporting the ethos of the school.
• To assist with the support of group activities within and away from the classroom, i.e. P.E., swimming, educational visits.
• To ensure that pupils are able to safely use equipment and materials provided and be aware of the range of resources available.
• Promote pupil independence in learning, and reinforcing the child(ren)’s self‑esteem through praise and encouragement.
• Assisting with the promotion of independence activities and mobility skills.
• To maintain personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participate in appropriate training…