The Pro and Cons of Working

Manchester City Council Job Description Teaching Assistant – Level 1 Grade 3 Special/Additional Needs The post holder will report to the Teacher/Senior Teaching Assistant. Apart from other colleagues in the school, the main contacts of the job are: Head Teacher, teaching staff, other support staff and pupils. Main Purpose of the Job: To support access to learning and provide general support for the school in the management of pupils and resources, as directed by senior staff.

Main Duties Support for pupils 1. To work with small groups of children under the supervision of the teacher including the implementation of ILPs 2. Give regular feedback on children’s progress to the class teacher and file records 3. Attend to children’s personal needs, including pastoral, social, cultural, health, physical hygiene, minor first aid and welfare matters 4. Establish good relationships with pupils, taking on role model by presenting a positive personal image and responding appropriately to individual needs 5. Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils 6. To assist with the dispensing of medication in exceptional circumstances with appropriate training and under the supervision of medical staff where necessary. 7. To carry out escort duties as appropriate whenever required. 8. To assist pupils in the hydrotherapy pool (where applicable), lift, dress, and provide support to the pupils with the activities in the pool. 9. To support pupils on integration placement in mainstream schools or colleges and on work experience placements.

Support for Teachers 10. To assist the teacher to ensure a safe classroom and outdoor environment, checking materials and personal equipment for defects and implement risk assessments carried out by the teacher according to school guidelines. This will include cleaning equipment used by pupils and ensuring its accessibility. 11. To work closely under the guidance of the teacher as required, with therapists, medical staff, and other personnel working with pupils, so that their advice and practice are integrated in to ILPs. 12. Provide curricular clerical/admin support, eg. photocopying, making lists, collection of monies. 13. Prepare the classroom for lessons, including display work under the direction of the teacher 14. Undertake pupil record keeping as requested (e.g. provide a written statement on pupil progress to the teacher) 15. Support the teacher in managing pupil behavior, reporting difficulties as appropriate 16. Gather and report information between parents and carers as directed Support for the Curriculum 17. To provide support in all areas of the curriculum and on social occasions for pupils who have been identified as having medical conditions which disable their full independent access to mainstream school life. 18. Provide Curriculum / resource support and undertake programmes linked to local and national learning strategies 19. Support the use of ICT in learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use 20. Prepare and maintain equipment/resources as directed by the teacher and assist pupils in their use Support for the School 21. Be aware of and comply with child protection procedures, health and safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting any concerns to the relevant member of staff. 22. Maintain high standards of health and safety at all times. 23. Maintain good relationships with colleagues and work together as a team. 24. Assist in the supervision of classroom and outdoor activities.

25. Assist with the supervision of discreet groups of pupils for short periods when the teacher is not present. 26. Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school. 27. Be aware of and support learning and cultural differences ensuring all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop. 28. Attend relevant meetings. 29. Participate in training, including relevant learning strategies, cultural diversity, community cohesion and performance management.

All elements of Specified Teaching Work undertaken by the postholder will be within the framework of the school’s Scheme of Supervision in line with the 2003 Regulations and (amended Regulations 2007. In addition to HLTA’s, the Regulations cover other groups of support staff who undertake ‘specified work’ at different levels. Specified work may cover a range of activities at different levels – including for some staff, work with whole classes. Headteachers will ensure that the support staff member has the skills, experience and expertise required to carry out ‘specified work’. Where more demanding aspects of ‘specified work are carried out by support staff, and particularly where they are working with whole classes, it is strongly recommended that the headteacher should have regard to the standards for HLTAs in determining whether those staff have the necessary level of skills and expertise. A teaching assistant level 1 may be called upon occasionally to provide cover supervision for a whole class for a session/lesson e.g. in an urgent situation. However they will not be required to set or allocate work to the pupils, as this will be determined by the class teacher. The Teaching Assistant must carry out his or her duties with full regard and commitment to the Governing Body and City Council Policies. Where the postholder is disabled, every effort will be made to supply all necessary aids, adaptations or equipment to allow them to carry out all the duties of the job. If, however, a certain task proves to be unachievable, job redesign will be fully considered.

Manchester City Council Person Specification Teaching Assistant – Level 1 For this job we are looking for: Experience of working with children/young people with behavioural difficulties and those with communication, severe, profound or complex learning difficulties where appropriate. Numeracy/literacy skills (at a level equivalent to NQF Level 2) Completion of the Teaching Assistant Induction Programme Ability to relate well to children and adults Ability to work as part of a team An understanding of the role of the Teaching Assistant and other professionals working in the classroom Ability to use relevant technology eg photocopier Understanding of national/foundation stage curriculum and other basic learning programmes/strategies Basic understanding of child development and learning Willingness to undertake first aid training as appropriate Personal Style and Behaviour Tact and diplomacy in all interpersonal relationships with the public, pupils and colleagues at work. Self motivation and personal drive to complete tasks to the required timescales and quality standards. The flexibility to adapt to changing workload demands and new school challenges. Personal commitment to ensure support is equally accessible and appropriate to the diverse and cultural needs of the pupils. Personal commitment to continuous self-development. Personal Commitment to continuous school improvement. Be willing to consent to and apply for an enhanced disclosure to a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.