Job Description

Autism Anglia and Doucecroft School, based in Colchester, are seeking a Teaching Assistant. The successful TA will aim to inspire and encourage pupils to develop their knowledge and confidence across multiple educational disciplines, facilitating a supportive and safe environment for learning.

The TA is responsible for providing significant contribution towards the education and welfare of the students; including direct practical interaction in a teaching, caring and supervisory capacity as well as being actively involved in the delivery of all areas of the curriculum. Regularly meeting with the Class Teacher to discuss the timetable and lesson planning, in order to provide cover for the class teacher where necessary.

Location:Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6
Salary:£21,257 - £22,278 per annum (Term Time only, plus additional days for training)
Hours: 38.5 hours, Monday to Friday, 46.2 weeks per year

Specific Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Class Teacher, help prepare for lessons, contribute towards and carry out schemes of work and Individual Student Plans (ISPs)
• Retain an up-to-date knowledge of each student's stage of development with regard to assessment, communication, ISPs and management programmes and share information with colleagues as might be appropriate
• Support the Class Teacher in planning and preparing for educational visits and school journeys and subsequently accompany students on such visits
• Supervise out of school visits and activities in line with school policies and practices
• To participate in a wide range of physical activities with students e.g. swimming, ice skating, horse riding
• Work with students on an individual or small group basis alongside colleagues (and in the company of visiting parents, professionals and volunteers) in class, at lunch time and during break periods
• Analyse and simplify tasks and present information in a meaningful and appropriate manner to each student
• Maintain an awareness of, and interest in, the developments within the field of curriculum development for students with autistic spectrum disorders
• Assist in keeping careful and accurate records
• Ensure student and staff safety is maintained at all times, managing challenging and unpredictable situations
• Attend parents' evenings, case conferences and meetings as meetings as necessary, some of which may be outside working hours
• Accompany students, as appropriate, on visits to doctors, dentists etc
• Ensure teaching materials and resources are suitable, in good order and that an adequate supply is available for the task
• Ensure the classroom environment and shared facilities are kept in a safe and tidy state
• Use any non-contact time in a profitable and work-related manner to meet the job requirements, as directed by the Class Teacher
• Assist in preparing students for departure from school
• Carry out playground duties in line with school policy
• Support the students in maintaining personal hygiene
• Support and oversee new staff in the classroom
• Ensure the smooth running of the class
• Work closely with the Class Teacher and other staff maintaining close links with the Senior LSA and Learning Support Assistants
• Maintain good relationships with parents/carers, outside agencies and the general public with a high degree of personal and professional integrity
• Have a good understanding of autism and treat students with dignity and respect and to be aware of the vulnerability of students at the school
• Promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Ensure that the School's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are promoted within the school and adhered to by all members of staff
• Be observant and do everything possible to protect students and others from abuse of a physical, emotional, sexual, neglectful, financial or institutional nature. This includes the need to report any incident of this type that you witness or hear about
• Participate fully in the school's supervision system in relation to your own professional development
• Be familiar with and put into practice all school policies and procedures
• Attend all in-service training courses as required in order to promote personal and professional development and to take part in a positive manner
• Identify areas for personal development and actively seek ways in which to meet these

Applications are welcome for Teaching Assistants with the following qualifications:

NVQ Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning
Education to A Level standard (or equivalent)
Maths and English GCSE Grade C or above
Team Teach
Relevant experience working with students with autism or learning disabilities in an educational setting is highly advantageous.
Driving license highly desirable

To apply:

If you have a genuine passion for teaching and providing excellent education to all, your outstanding future at Doucecroft School could be moments away. Apply now by clicking on the link below and a member of the recruitment team will be in touch.

Autism Anglia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and online checks.

Autism Anglia is positive about inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals who can meet the requirements of the job position and may wish to request flexible working or reasonable adjustments to support them.

Information about the School

Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3 –19 years. Established in 1973, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide-ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self-esteem.

Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on-site by our experienced therapy team.

Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.