Teaching Assistant

Purpose of the role

To work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the classroom with the teacher, to support access to learning for pupils and provide general support to the teacher/s in the management of pupils and the classroom.

Main Duties

Support for Pupils

• Establish rapport and respectful, trusting relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
• Supervise and support pupils to undertake agreed learning activities / programmes linked to local and national curriculum and learning strategies, e.g., literacy, numeracy, KS1 or KS 2 or early years.
• Adjusting activities according to pupil responses and needs, including for those with special educational needs.
• The role may include supporting and implementing pupils’ personal programme, including social, health, physical, hygiene, and welfare matters. The pupil may also need assistance to access different areas of the school. Following appropriate training and in line with school procedures, to administer basic first aid and/or medication as required.
• Promote inclusion and acceptance of all pupils by encouraging them to interact with each other and to engage in activities led by the teacher.
• Promote self-esteem and independence amongst pupils.
• Support the implementation of Individual Education Plans and Behaviour Plans
• Provide feedback to pupils on their progress and achievement under the guidance of a teacher, in line with school policy.

Support for teachers

• Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflicts in line with school behaviour policies.
• Establish constructive relationships with parents and carers, promoting the School’s home/school liaison policy
• Assist the teacher with the preparation of teaching and learning materials and resources.
• Provide detailed feedback to teachers on pupils’ achievement, progress, problems etc. as requested.
• Undertake pupil record keeping as requested and assist with the collation of pupil reports as requested by the teacher, which may involve data inputting.
• Maintain a purposeful, orderly and supportive environment, in accordance with lesson plans.
• Assist with the display of pupils’ work.
• Prepare, maintain and use equipment/resources required to meet the lesson plans/learning activity and assist pupils in their use.
• Administer and mark straightforward routine tests, e.g. spelling or mental arithmetic, and invigilate tests as required
• Provide clerical support for teachers, e.g. photocopying, filing, collecting money, checking deliveries and placing goods in stock and maintaining records of stock, administering coursework, production of work sheets for agreed activities

Support for school

• To support others within the classroom and the School, contributing to the achievement of School objectives by working as part of a team
• Assist with activities outside the classroom, working as part of a team to oversee pupils and support Activity Leaders, e.g. Breakfast Club or accompanying to swimming lessons. (If this is an agreed part of the working pattern)
• Accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out-of-school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of a teacher

Fulfill wider professional responsibilities

• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the Academy and the Trust.
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support.
• Liaise with external agencies with regard to pupil progress, safety and welfare.
• Work with other staff across the Trust and in other maintained schools or other academies.
• Communicate effectively with parents with regard to pupils’ achievements and well-being.
• To attend relevant meetings as required.
• To participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
• To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Personal and professional conduct

A Teaching Assistant is expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. The following statements define the behaviour and attitudes which set the required standard for conduct throughout a Teaching Assistant's career.

Teaching Assistants uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside the Academy, by:

• treating pupils, staff, parents and visitors with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to an adult working in an Academy environment;
• having regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions;
• showing tolerance of and respect for the rights of others;
• not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; and
• ensuring that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

The post holder will:

• Be expected to actively support work and ethos of the Focus-Trust.
• Be expected to undertake such additional duties as may reasonably be requested by the Principal or their representative.
• Respect confidentiality of staff, pupils, families and visitors and not breach this trust. Any breaches of confidentiality must be reported to the Principal immediately.
• Participate in arrangements for appraisal and in the identification of areas in which s/he would benefit from training and undergo such training.
• Proactively keep abreast of developments in relation to the post, and whenever possible and appropriate, attend professional development opportunities.

Comply with and support all policies related to equal opportunities, child protection and