Job Description

Required for: Immediate Start

Salary: Level 6 SCP 13 - 20 : Actual salary £22,500 - £25,234

Hours: 34.25 per week (8.30-3.30 M/W/F, 8.30-3.45 Tu, 8.30-5.00 Th, 30mins lunch break)

We are looking for a SENDCo Assistant / HLTA with experience in Special Educational Needs and Speech and Language to support pupils who have a range of additional needs and/or have specific difficulty with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).

Initial contract - 2 year fixed (potential to extend dependent upon successful completion of probationary period and ongoing budgets).

Reporting to: SENDCo / Head Teacher

Your main responsibilities will include:

· Working alongside the SENDCo in our additional classroom 'Little Rays' by taking responsibility for agreed activities/interventions. This may involve assessing planning, preparing and delivering learning activities and interventions for individuals/groups of pupils, including recording and reporting on achievement, progress and development.

· Under the direction of the SENDCo, take a lead role across the school to address the needs of SEND pupils who need particular help to overcome barriers to learning.

· To provide support for pupils, the teachers and across the school in order to raise standards of achievement for all pupils, by utilising advanced levels of knowledge and skills to encourage pupils to become independent learners. This will include supporting children in classes and covering lessons across the school when needed.

· To assist in the development of appropriate resources, and teaching strategies in SEND.

· To provide admin support to the SENDCo.

· Keep records of students with SEND and liaise with appropriate outside agencies, under the direction of the SENDCo.

You will need to:

· Be professional, enthusiastic, confident and able to show initiative and resilience

· Be an effective communicator with pupils and staff

· Be self-motivated, with high expectations of self and others

· Hold at least an A - C pass in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)

· Be able to cover sessions in the additional classroom, or across the school such as PPA cover or emergency cover

· Have energy, patience and a genuine commitment to working with pupils with a range of complex and sometimes very challenging learning difficulties and behaviour

· Have the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with pupils, treating them with respect and consideration

The successful candidate will:

· Have experience working with children of Early Years and Key Stage 1 and of working with children with additional needs, and those who present with difficulties in speech, language and communication which may be as a result of social communication difficulties and/or ASD

· Provide evidence of fulfilling the Higher Level Teaching Assistant standards, or to have the ability and potential to fulfil them within the first six months of the role

· Demonstrate evidence of knowledge and skills in working with children with Special Educational Needs, in particular those with SLCN

· Report any safeguarding concerns to the school's Designated Safeguarding Leads.

· Cooperate with colleagues to ensure the aims of the school are achieved consistently

· Form and maintain good relationships with the children of the school, based on mutual respect, trust and understanding

· Carry out any other duties as deemed necessary by the Headteacher or SENDCo.

· Attend INSET days and training as identified by the Headteacher

· Be expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the school's values and expectations

Other desirable skills:

· Have training in relevant learning strategies and specialist skills in curriculum or learning area e.g. bi-lingual, sign language, ICT qualifications

· Be willing to have First Aid Training (and ideally be a qualified First Aider)

· Have a good knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice 2015 and its implications for the families we work with

In return, we can offer the successful candidate:

the opportunity to work with our wonderful children and families
a range of supportive CPD opportunities
supportive colleagues who want the best possible opportunities and outcomes for children
a constant improving learning environment

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance, online checks, medical checks and satisfactory references. Applicants for this post will be applying knowing that this will be a requirement of the post.

Candidates who have a degree, HLTA status or other equivalent qualification (or currently studying towards this) would be preferred (but not essential).

Visits are welcomed and encouraged. To arrange a visit, please contact the School Office on 01702 476610.

The application form can be found here: https://www.westleighinfants.co.uk/southend/primary/westleigh-inf/site/pages/aboutus/vacancies/currentvacancies

Please submit your completed application form to our School Business Manager, Abi Brincat at -

AbigailBrincat@westleigh-inf.southend.sch.uk

Closing date: Monday 25th November 2024 at 12.00pm

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 27th November 2024 or Thursday 28th November 2024

https://www.westleighinfants.co.uk/southend/primary/westleigh-inf/site/pages/aboutus/vacancies/currentvacancies

Information about the School

West Leigh Infant School is a large, popular infant school, located in the historic fishing village of Leigh-on-Sea. Our school is held in high esteem by our community, eleven years ago we celebrated our centenary and there are strong links with local families. 'Together we aim high, work hard, have fun' - our school is a welcoming, friendly, caring school with happy, confident children who enjoy learning and achieving well. In addition, our pupils are fortunate to be able to walk to the sea, visit local churches and Belfairs Park as well as enjoying a wide range of coach and rail trips. We also benefit from an on-site swimming pool. We are a maintained school with a 4 form entry teaching children in the age range 4 - 7 years.