Teaching Assistant - in Reception

Working closely with the Reception class teacher, SENDCo and wider team, you will provide consistent and nurturing support to help the child make progress and enjoy their experience of school. You will:

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support throughout the school day.
• Support the child to access learning, play and the wider Reception curriculum.
• Encourage the development of independence, confidence and communication.
• Support the child to build positive relationships with other children and adults.
• Help the child to understand and follow routines and expectations.
• Support participation in both adult-led learning and continuous provision.
• Adapt activities and approaches, under the direction of the class teacher, to enable successful access to learning.
• Support the child to manage challenges and develop positive strategies for regulating their emotions and behaviour.
• Celebrate successes and encourage the child to persevere when things are difficult.
• Share observations and information about the child's progress with the class teacher and wider team.
• Work as part of the Reception team to create an inclusive, positive and purposeful learning environment.
• Support the child to participate fully in the wider school day, including playtimes and lunchtimes where appropriate.
• Has experience of working with children, ideally within a school or educational setting.
• Is warm, patient, calm and consistent.
• Has a genuine passion for helping children learn and develop.
• Is able to build trusting and positive relationships with children.
• Has high expectations and believes in what children can achieve.
• Understands that effective 1:1 support is about developing independence, not creating dependence.
• Can remain calm and positive when a child is experiencing difficulty.
• Is able to adapt their approach to meet an individual child's needs.
• Works well as part of a team and is able to take direction from the class teacher.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with colleagues and parents/carers.
• Is reflective, willing to learn and committed to developing their own practice.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and keeping children safe.
• Experience of supporting children with additional needs would be desirable, although we are particularly interested in finding someone with the right attitude, values and commitment to make a positive difference.