Teaching Assistant - Level 1

Teaching Assistant - Level 1

Job description

Paull Primary School is looking for a caring, patient and enthusiastic Level 1 Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team.

The successful candidate will primarily provide 1:1 support for a child in EYFS with significant additional needs, helping them to access learning, develop communication and independence, and remain safe and included throughout the school day.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for one year and would suit someone who is nurturing, calm and consistent and who enjoys helping young children to make progress from their individual starting points.

The role will include:

• Providing consistent 1:1 support throughout the school day.
• Supporting the child to access learning and play within the EYFS environment.
• Following the child’s individual support plans and EHCP provision.
• Supporting communication, interaction, emotional regulation and independence.
• Providing a high level of supervision to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.
• Supporting personal care needs, including toileting/nappy changing where required.
• Supporting the child during lunchtimes, transitions and outdoor learning.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENDCo and other members of staff.
• Liaising appropriately with parents/carers and external professionals.
• Recording observations and contributing to the monitoring of the child’s progress.
• Supporting inclusion while recognising when the child may require a more individualised approach.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have a genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs.
• Be patient, caring, nurturing and able to remain calm and consistent.
• Be able to build positive and trusting relationships with young children.
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare.
• Be able to follow individual plans, routines and instructions consistently.
• Be willing and able to undertake personal care duties.
• Be able to provide close supervision and respond appropriately to potential safety risks.
• Have good communication skills and be able to work effectively as part of a small team.
• Be reliable, flexible and willing to adapt to the needs of the child and school.
• Have a good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Be willing to undertake relevant training.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality.

Desirable Criteria

It would be beneficial if applicants have:

• Previous experience of working with children in EYFS or a primary school.
• Experience of providing 1:1 support for a child with SEND.
• Experience of supporting children with significant or complex additional needs.
• Experience of working with children who have communication and interaction difficulties.
• Knowledge or experience of supporting children with autism or developmental differences.
• Experience of using visual communication approaches such as PECS, visual timetables or now-and-next boards.
• Experience of supporting sensory and emotional regulation needs.
• Experience of implementing strategies identified within an EHCP.
• Experience of intimate/personal care within an educational or childcare setting.
• Paediatric First Aid training.
• Relevant Teaching Assistant, Early Years or childcare qualifications.
• Knowledge of the EYFS framework.
• Experience of working alongside SENDCos and external professionals.

About Paull Primary School

Paull Primary is a small, welcoming village school where relationships are at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on knowing our children well and creating an environment where every child is valued and encouraged to succeed.

As a small school, staff work closely together and the successful applicant will become an important member of our supportive team. Our outdoor and Forest School provision is an important part of school life, so applicants should be happy to support learning both indoors and outdoors.

We are looking for someone who will see the child first, recognise their strengths and interests, and provide the patient and consistent support they need to participate fully in school life.

Paull Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to the school’s safer recruitment procedures, including appropriate pre-employment checks and an enhanced DBS check.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit or for further information about the role.