One to One Teaching Assistant

Polaris Education – Apple Orchard School One to One L3 Teaching Assistant

Contract type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £20,422 - £21,111.51
Contract term: 12 month fixed term contract – Term Time Only
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Hours: 08:30 – 16:30

At Apple Orchard, we specialise in working with adolescent males who have complex needs associated with early trauma. Working in a trauma-informed way, we seek to develop the whole person, allowing them to move on and reach transitional milestones.

We are seeking to appoint a One to One Teaching Assistant to join our staff team. This is a full-time role, Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:30, term time only. The role is mainly based at one site, but can involve supporting at local PE venues and latterly college settings.

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 (Apple Orchard School / Further Education establishment).

Working with the Headteacher and class teachers to:

Work in line with the therapeutic approach adopted by the Apple Orchard environment

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(s) as required by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks appropriate to pupils’ needs

Assist in weaker areas, e.g. speech and language, reading, spelling, numeracy, handwriting/presentation

Use praise, commentary and assistance to encourage the pupil to concentrate and stay on task

Liaise with class teacher, SENCO and other professionals about Individual Personal Education Plans (PEPs), contributing to planning and delivery as appropriate

Provide additional nurture to individuals when requested by the class teacher or SENCO

Be consistent and effectively implement agreed behaviour management strategies

Establish supportive relationships with the pupil concerned

Promote the acceptance and inclusion of pupils with SEN, encouraging appropriate interaction between pupils

Monitor pupils’ responses to learning activities and modify/adapt activities as agreed with the teacher to achieve intended learning outcomes

Give positive encouragement, feedback and praise to reinforce and sustain pupils’ efforts and develop self-reliance and self-esteem

Support pupils in developing social skills both in and out of the classroom

Provide regular feedback on pupils’ learning and behaviour to the teacher/SENCO, including feedback on the effectiveness of behaviour strategies

Know and apply school policies

Be aware of confidential issues linked to home/pupil/teacher/school

Contribute towards reviews of pupils’ progress as appropriate

Comply with legal and organisational requirements for health, safety and security

Take part in training activities offered by the school to further knowledge and skills of working with students with specific learning difficulties

Support break and lunchtime supervision in accordance with the school rota

Accompany teacher and pupils on educational visits

Provide individual support, as required, during examination sessions

Carry out duties in accordance with the Education Department’s Equal Opportunities Policy

Contribute positively and effectively to the Every Child Matters Agenda

Minimum qualification of GCSE A–C or equivalent in Maths and English

Understanding of the challenges of supporting students with Emotional, Behavioural or Social needs

Ability to work as part of a close team

Desirable: experience of working within a specialist environment

Apple Orchard is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.