Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust are seeking an enthusiastic and committed teaching assistant to join our team at Lydford Primary School to support learning across the school, with a focus in EYFS and KS1.
Our Trust comprises of 19 schools, 3 Colleges, 15 Primaries, and one All Through SEMH Special school. Established in 2018, We are situated in beautiful Devon on the out the outskirts of the stunning Dartmoor National Park. The schools vary in size and are all unique. Our schools are a large part of their local communities, and we value those relationships with families and locals.
The Trust was created to enable schools and staff to work closely together in providing the best education possible for our children. We achieve this through meaningful collaboration both within our schools and beyond our Trust to ensure schools are able to secure and sustain improvement.
Our work is built on our shared values and an unwavering belief that education improves the life chances for the children in our care. We aim for everyone in our organisation, staff and children, to be the best they can be and are relentless in our ambition to achieve this. We want our children to look back on their school experience with a sense of achievement and joy and we provide a wealth of additional curriculum experiences to enrich their learning.
We care deeply about the children in our schools and work with kindness, compassion, manners and respect. By modelling and expecting these behaviours from our children, we aim to grow future citizens who will positively contribute to society, creating a brighter future for our world.
Our vision and values are what we build our schools upon, with Ambition, Co-operation & Transformation being at the heart.

As an established Trust, DMAT can offer a wide range of benefits for our employees

• Cycle to work scheme
• Tech Scheme
• Eyecare Vouchers
• Access to Discounts
• CPD opportunities
• Extensive Health & Wellbeing Package
• Long Service Days
• On site Parking – In some locations
• Excellent Training Package
• Employee Recognition Scheme

Why choose DMAT?
DMAT are an inclusive and forward-looking trust, who seek to nurture our children and employees to be the best they can be.

QUALIFICATIONS

• GCSE grade C or equivalent in English and Maths. - Essential
• Eligibility to work in the UK. - Essential
• First aid qualification. - Desirable

EXPERIENCE

• Successful recent experience working with children in a school environment. - Essential
• Working with school MIS. - Essential
• Knowledge of working with Arbor. - Desirable
• Knowledge of relevant codes of practice and school policies. - Desirable

SKILLS

• Proven ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, at all levels. - Essential
• Excellent grammatical, spelling and punctuation skills. - Essential
• Ability to work on own initiative and to meet deadlines. - Essential
• Strong organisational and planning skills. - Essential
• Manage own time and priorities effectively. - Essential
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.- Essential
• Reliable and trustworthy. - Essential
• Ability to solve problems and find creative solutions. - Desirable
• Calm under pressure with a flexible and adaptive approach to work. - Desirable
• Awareness to and commitment to equality issues. - Desirable

PURPOSE OF JOB

To work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the classroom with the teacher, to support access to learning for pupils and provide general support to the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom. Work might occasionally, but not regularly, take place outside the main teaching area.
Supervision Arrangements
The class teacher will take overall responsibility for the progress of pupils within the class.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

To work under direct supervision/instruction to support access to learning by:

• Attending to the welfare and personal care of pupils including those with special educational needs.
• Working with small groups or one to one.
• Undertaking general clerical/organisational support for the teacher.

DUTIES

Support the teacher by:

• Preparing the classroom as directed for lessons and clearing afterwards.
• Assisting with the display of pupils’ work.
• Being aware of pupil problems/progress/achievements and reporting these to the teacher as agreed.
• Undertaking pupil record keeping as requested.
• Being aware of/working within planned learning activities.
• Occasional contribution to planning e.g. for individual pupils, general literacy/numeracy.
• Working with the teacher in managing pupil behaviour and reporting difficulties as appropriate.
• Gathering/reporting information from/to parents/carers as directed.
• Providing clerical/administrative support e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, collecting money etc.

Supporting pupils by:

• Supervising and providing support for pupils, including those with special needs, ensuring their safety and access to learning.
• Attending to the pupils’ personal needs, and implementing related personal programmes, including social, health, physical, hygiene, first aid and welfare matters.
• Establishing good relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs.
• Promoting the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils.
• Encouraging pupils to interact with others and to engage in activities led by the teacher.
• Encouraging pupils to act independently as appropriate.

Support the curriculum by:

• Supporting pupils to understand instructions.
• Supporting pupils in respect of local and national learning strategies e.g. literacy, numeracy, early years etc. as directed by the teacher.
• Supporting pupils using ICT as directed.
• Preparing and maintaining equipment/resources as directed by the teacher and assisting pupils in their use.

Support the school by:

• Being aware of and complying with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, and reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Being aware of and supporting difference and ensuring all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.
• Contributing to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.
• Appreciating and supporting the role of other professionals.
• Attending and participating in relevant meetings as required.
• Participating in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
• Assisting with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at lunchtimes as required.
• Accompanying teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of a teacher.
• Support at lunch times and break times, maintaining a flexible working pattern.

On appointment, your main place of work will be at Lydford Primary School but you may be required to work at any other premises occupied by the Employer or any of the Employer’s Academies within Devon as directed by the Employer.
This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. Discussions will take place on a regular basis to clarify individual responsibilities within the general framework and character of the post as identified.