Teaching Assistant

Principal responsibilities

Jobs comprise a sequence of tasks that form standardised work routines.

May provide informal assistance to less experienced colleagues.

Work under direct instruction/guidance from teaching staff, enabling access to learning for pupils including those with special educational needs.

Post requires courtesy and effectiveness in dealing with other people.

Able to ask questions, seek clarification and exchange information using tact and diplomacy.

May provide straightforward clerical support to teacher

Likely to interact with colleagues, pupils, parents, carers and educational professionals under clear direction of class teacher and Senior Leaders.

1) Working in the environment

Assist with the planning, development and implementation of pupil education/behaviour plans and personal care programmes including toileting, hygiene and feeding/meal times; to help with development of social skills and to ensure that the school’s health, safety and behaviour polices are maintained.

Where applicable to the needs of the children carry out medical procedures in accordance with NNC/NHS protocols and generally support the social development and welfare needs of individual pupils including the administration of medicines in accordance with school practices and policies; deal with conflict using different communication techniques to encourage all pupils to take responsibility for their own behaviour and promote independence.

Care for a sick or injured child, accompanying them to hospital and remaining with them until the parent arrives to ensure continuity of care.

Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

2) Supporting pupils in the learning environment

Supervise and support pupils in the learning environment to promote independence, inclusion, acceptance and equality of access to learning opportunities for all pupils.

Assist pupils within the class, individually or in small groups (and sometimes outside the main classroom) in the completion and adjustment of a wider range of pre-defined learning, care and support activities to meet the requirements of pupils and the curriculum (for example literacy, numeracy, ICT).

Assist with the supervision of pupils and planning of activities out of lesson times (for example at lunchtimes, before and after school) to encourage structured and positive play.

May assist pupils with mobility equipment such as using wheelchairs and/or hoists to support pupils in their learning environment.

Set challenging and demanding expectations for pupils and promote self-esteem and independence under the direction/guidance of class teacher.

Establish constructive relationships with pupils and interact with them according to individual needs.

Supervise pupils during lunch breaks and administer First Aid when required

3) Providing clerical and other support to service users

Provide clerical support, for example photocopying, laminating, and displays.

Support teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group of pupils under the supervision of the teacher.

Administer routine tests and undertake routine marking of pupils’ work to meet requirements of pupils and the curriculum.

4) Preparing and maintaining the classroom environment and resources

Create and maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment in accordance with lesson plans and assist with the display of pupils’ work under the direction of teaching staff to meet the needs of pupils and the curriculum.

Maintain shared areas so that they are tidy and organised, e.g. science and cookery room, ‘break-out’ work spaces, shared cupboards.

Prepare, maintain and use equipment and resources required to support lesson plans/learning activities to meet the needs of pupils and the curriculum.

5) Developing the team

 Participate in meetings, training/development activities and assist less experienced colleagues when appropriate, to support the achievement of individual and team performance and development objectives.

6) Building professional relationships

 Build and maintain positive working relationships with pupils, parents, carers and colleagues to maximise pupils’ development and maintain the overall ethos of the school. Communicate with parents/carers only under the direction of teaching staff.

7) Dealing with Behaviour Issues

Use knowledge of different behaviour management and communication strategies and adapt existing strategies/methods as necessary to deal with disruption by pupils in class, following the agreed behaviour policy.

Where required and suitably trained, use appropriate physical restraint techniques in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.

8) Monitoring levels and ordering of resources

Monitor resource levels and contribute to the resource ordering process under the direction of teaching staff to ensure the timely availability of resources to meet the requirements of the curriculum.

Maintain an awareness of the importance of the appropriate use of resources to minimise waste and maximise the effectiveness of financial resources.

9) Reviewing pupils performance

 Monitor, feedback, record and report on pupil progress, including feedback to pupils, and participate in the completion of pupil profiles and records of attainment to maximise pupil development

10) Physical Effort and/or strain

 Physical effort and/or strain may regularly be part of the normal working pattern when helping to move identified pupils, using mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and/or hoists.

11) Working Environments

Job holders may frequently attend to personal, hygiene and medical care needs throughout the normal working pattern and may therefore be exposed to unpleasant/hazardous substances. Health and Safety guidelines should be followed at all times.

Any other duty required by the Headteacher and Senior Leaders may be reasonably required commensurate with the level of post.

Performance Management will take place on an annual cycle, with the SENDco taking the role of appraiser.