JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Teaching Assistant

PURPOSE OF JOB

The Teaching Assistant will provide targeted and flexible academic and pastoral support to students in a secondary school setting, both inside and outside the classroom. Working under the direction of the SENCO, the role includes supporting students with and without additional needs, fostering inclusion, and enhancing student wellbeing. The student support service allocates students to a keyworker with relevant expertise, and keyworkers typically assume lead responsibility for specific areas of need.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

:
· Manage an allocated caseload of students as their nominated keyworker.
· Provide targeted academic support to allocated students as determined by the SENCO.
· Contribute to the supervision of the student support suite and respond to the needs of students accessing that provision.
· Facilitate student inclusion in both academic and social settings, ensuring they can access the full range of learning experiences.
· Provide 1:1 and small group support, adapting resources to meet individual needs.
· Assist students with social interactions and promote positive peer relationships.
· Provide positive reinforcement, praise, and encouragement to support student engagement and motivation.
· Assist students with specific medical needs in line with their EHCP requirements.
· Support students in social time within the school day, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
· Assist students on school trips and educational visits (time off in lieu applies if outside normal hours).

· Support students with SEND in preparing for and participating in exams, including acting as a reader, scribe, or invigilator.

• Collaborate with teachers to plan and prepare lesson activities that accommodate student needs.
• Modify and create resources (e.g., worksheets, visual aids) as required.
• Provide feedback to class teachers, SENCO, and external agencies regarding student progress.
• Attend planning meetings with the SENCO and class teachers to discuss student needs.
• Contribute to students’ annual reviews by writing brief reports or attending meetings.
• Provide administrative support as directed by the SENCO.
• To contribute to the overall development of the student support department.
• Cover for staff absence under the school’s Rarely Cover agreement.
• Promote positive mental wellbeing and student welfare throughout the school.
• Supervise classes and oversee cover lesson work in the absence of a teacher.
• Act as a first point of contact for enquiries from parents and staff regarding student support.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection regulations.
• Foster strong links between home and school to support student development.
• Participate in relevant CPD training, staff meetings, and Parent Consultation evenings (time off in lieu applies for attendance outside working hours).
• Maintain confidentiality while adhering to safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Understand and apply school policies related to learning, behaviour, and SEND regulations.
• Carry out additional duties as directed by the SENCO, Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour and Culture), or Headteacher.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Level 2 qualification required; Level 3 qualification in education or related field desirable).
• Experience of working with secondary-aged students in an educational setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, adaptability, and commitment to supporting young people’s learning and development.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers and support staff.
• Knowledge of SEND and strategies for supporting students with additional needs.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail.