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The Old School Henstead are seeking a skilled and compassionate Teaching Assistant to lead a very small group of pupils with complex additional needs.
Description
The Old School Henstead are seeking a skilled and compassionate Teaching Assistant to lead a very small group of pupils with complex additional needs.
You will work as part of the EYFS department, supported by the Head of EYFS and two Teaching Assistants. You will work closely with the school SENCo, who will provide guidance with EHCP provision, assessment and multi-agency liaison.
This is a specialist-style role within a mainstream independent setting. The role requires SEND experience. We expect the post-holder to have high expectations for all learners.
The successful candidate will support the teaching and learning of pupils day-to-day. They will also be required to contribute to and support the planning and delivery of the specialist curriculum, completing observations and planning activities for children in line with their developing needs. They should be a creative, team player who loves and understands child-led learning.
We are a rural preparatory school and nursery, offering a superb education to boys and girls aged 2 to 11 years.
Key Responsibilities
Teaching & Provision
- Plan and deliver an adapted EYFS curriculum aligned to EHCP outcomes with support from the school SENCo
- Break long-term targets into measurable short-term steps
- Use structured, visual and multi-sensory approaches
- Implement strategies such as Intensive Interaction, Attention Autism and visual communication systems
- Promote early communication and functional independence
SEND & Safeguarding
- Lead implementation of EHCP Section F provision
- Monitor and evidence progress
- Contribute to Annual Reviews and professional meetings
- Maintain high supervision for pupils with limited danger awareness
- Be aware of health and safety issues and procedures including all safeguarding policies and procedures and implement school policy to ensure that these are dealt with promptly
- Undertake daily health and safety checks in the learning spaces and report to the school maintenance any areas for attention
Personal Care
- Support developmentally appropriate self-care development in line with the expectations for EYFS pupils
- Participate in nappy changing and intimate care, following safeguarding procedures
- Ensure consistent curriculum approaches, communication and reporting
- Liaise with SENCo, Head of EYFS and school leadership
Parent Partnership
- Maintain strong home-school communication
- Provide clear progress updates
Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience
Essential Criteria
- Experience supporting SEND pupils
- Confident using visual communication systems (PECS, core boards, Makaton, visual timetables) or willingness to undertake training
- Willingness to undertake intimate care and nappy changing
- Calm, resilient and solution-focused
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in a specialist or resource-based setting
- Strong understanding of Autism and communication differences
- Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework
- Experience using Makaton for communication
- Understanding of the Sensory Engagement Model
- Experience supporting intimate needs and independence development
- Experience teaching or supporting pupils of KS1 age
- Experience working with EYFS-aged children
- Full and relevant EYFS qualification at Level 3 or higher
- Experience planning and delivering effective, child-centered continuous and enhanced provision (desired)
- Experience using online learning journals
- Recent Paediatric First Aid Certificate
Additional Requirements
- able to work both independently and as part of a team
- able to follow instructions accurately and effectively
- able to pass an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
Working Hours
The EYFS department currently operates during term time only (34 weeks a year + 5 days staff training).
We are looking for someone to work from 8.15am to 4.10pm each day.
Location: The Old School Henstead
Learn about our Early Years Department here: Learn about our Early Years Department here: https://theoldschoolhenstead.co.uk/early- years/
Benefits
- Very small class size
- Dedicated Teaching Assistants
- Ongoing SENCo support
- Professional development opportunities
- Nest pension plan
- 18 weeks of annual leave (to be taken during school holidays)
- On-site parking and free school lunch
Safeguarding: The Old School Henstead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Enhanced DBS and references required.
