Heart Teaching are seeking a dedicated and passionate Teaching Assistant to join one of our SEN schools, specifically supporting students with physical disabilities, complex medical needs, and associated learning difficulties. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a crucial role in providing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for students with complex needs. You will work closely with the teaching staff, therapists, and other professionals to support the holistic development and educational progress of our students.

Full & Part Time Available:

Duties & Responsibilities

• To support students within the learning and / or residential environments to promote each student’s intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development and to promote a caring environment by providing a high standard of care including toileting and mealtime assistance.
• To ensure that communication with students, staff and other departments is effective and contributes to securing efficiency and high standards of care and personal development for students within a learning environment
• To be aware of and implement students’ care plans and to assist the students in the development of their independence outcomes within the individualized programme
• The role will include a substantial amount of moving and handling and moving and handling procedures must be always adhered to in accordance with training provided
• To maintain high standards of safety and observe good practice in relation to health and safety and safeguarding in all issues and report any concerns to line management
• To pro-actively observe and comply with all school policies and procedures including those relating to child protection, equality and diversity, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. To be aware and integrate in own practice the principles of Keeping Children Safe in Education
• To appropriately use the recording and reporting processes whenever appropriate.
• To maintain a flexible “can do” approach
• Support students with communication difficulties using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, such as visual aids, symbols, and technology.
• Collaborate with therapists and healthcare professionals to implement specialized interventions and therapy programs.

Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken, commensurate with the grade. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the post holder will carry out. This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification:

• Demonstrate a working understanding of current theory and practice in relation to learning, care and support for young people who have special educational needs
• Physically fit to move and handle disabled children
• Demonstrate an ability to work conscientiously, with enthusiasm, resilience, and integrity
• Exceptional communication skills and patience and able to forge good professional relationships with colleagues and maintain appropriate relationships and boundaries with students
• Is respectful and promotes fundamental British values, including democracy and tolerance
• Resilient with a robust and positive nature
• Can seek advice when necessary and to challenge and report malpractice if applicable

About the School:

The school we are currently working with is a foundation residential and day special school (rated Ofsted Good) for students aged 4-19 with physical disabilities, complex medical needs, and associated learning difficulties. Our school has a large, dedicated staff team with over 250 people providing specialist teaching, social care, therapies, and nursing care.

At Heart Teaching, we are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. To ensure their safety, we undertake rigorous safeguarding checks for all staff, implement a robust recruitment process, provide ongoing training, encourage vigilant reporting, maintain comprehensive policies and procedures, and continuously review and improve our practices. As an educational recruitment agency, we recognize our responsibility in safeguarding the children we serve, and we prioritize their protection above all else.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay.

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Please be aware that it is strictly prohibited to apply for any role that involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are currently barred from engaging in such activity. This is a serious offense and can have legal consequences. We prioritize the safety and well-being of children, and as such, we are committed to conducting thorough background checks and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you are aware that you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children, we urge you to refrain from applying for these positions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in creating a safe environment for children.