Dean Close Foundation are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, caring and energetic learning support teaching assistant with experience of supporting children with SEND to join our supportive and dynamic Pre-Prep team initially, then moving into the Prep school to support the same child on a 1:1 basis. This is a fixed term contract, with the suitable candidate starting immediately or from September 2024 academic year.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a teacher-trained individual or highly experienced teaching assistant to support an individual child with additional needs. You will have a flexible approach and work as part of the wider staff team to support children with a variety of challenges, always adapting your practice to ensure barriers to learning are removed and reduced. As a 1:1 Teaching assistant you will:

• Provide individualised support for a child with SEND within the classroom as directed by the class teacher, subject specialist teachers and SENCO.
• Support a child to engage in differentiated tasks as directed by the class teacher, subject specialist teachers, SENCO and specialist staff.
• Apply strategies and advice from teachers and SENCo to support a child in academic tasks requiring writing, reading and phonics.
• Collaborate with the class teacher and SENCO to align support strategies with individual outcomes on a daily, weekly, and termly basis.
• At playtimes, support the pupil and create opportunities for the child to make relationships with other pupils and staff, helping to guide conversations when needed.
• Monitor the child's progress. Provide verbal feedback to the team around the child and adapt support strategies accordingly.
• Ensure the child's safety and well-being at all times following the schools’ safeguarding and child protection policies.

We would ideally be looking for the successful candidate to hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in childcare or education and to be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as well as Key Stages 1 and 2 curricula.

Early applications are encouraged, and applicants may be invited to interview prior to the closing date. We are looking to invite successful applicants in for interview on Thursday 15th March 2024.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed before the closing date. We will request references for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

For further details please see the attached job description or contact our recruitment team on 01242 258 000 or recruitment@deanclose.org.uk for with your query.

Internal applicants

Please contact the Recruitment Team requesting the internal candidate application form link before starting your application.