St Matthias CE Primary School Teaching Assistant Application Pack
Contents Welcome
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Our Vision & Approaches
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Working in Partnership
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Primary Advantage National Teaching Schools
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Teaching Assistant Job Description
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Teaching Assistant Personal Specification
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Application Process
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Contact Information
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St Matthias is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff Primary Advantage Federation to shareSchool this commitment. We welcome applications c/o Holy Trinity Primary 13 Richmond Road from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or Dalston age.
London E8 3HY
Tel: 020 7254 1010 www.primaryadvantage.co.uk
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Welcome Dear Applicant,
Thank you very much for your interest in becoming a Teaching Assistant at St Matthias CE Primary School. I hope you will find this information a useful introduction to our school. The pack includes some background information about our school, the federation, information about the application process and the job description. More information about St Matthias can be found on our website. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit, please contact Leanna Boyce on 02072541148 or email lboyce@stmatthias.hackney.sch.uk. St Matthias is a lively one and a half form entry primary school in the London borough of Hackney and serves a diverse community that is founded upon and promotes Christian teachings and values. St Matthias provides a safe and happy environment for all of our children and staff to learn, develop and excel in their academic and social education. We believe that our children have to be supported to achieve and prepare for their lives ahead. We instil the values and care needed to ensure they become responsible, confident and capable members of society. We are looking for a Teaching Assistant (Level 2) who shares our vision and passion to guide our children and are keen to drive standards up further. Our new teaching assistant will join a very committed and hard-working staff body who want to ensure that every child fulfils its potential, both now and in the future. If you are committed to helping children to make progress in every lesson, every day, we would like to hear from you. Please find further guidance on our School and details on how to apply for the post within this pack.
Yours sincerely,
Orlene Badu Head teacher 3
Our Vision & Approach
Our School St Matthias is a one and half form entry school with a nursery and 270 children on roll. We are a “Good” school (OFSTED September 2013), that now has its sights firmly set on becoming an Outstanding school with the desire and motivation to ensure all our children achieve the highest possible standards, due to excellent staff with the determination to ensure no child is left behind. Our school is located in Stoke Newington, Hackney and is a short walk from Dalston Kingsland Station. The school serves a richly diverse community that is founded upon and promotes Christian teachings and values. Our school enjoys an active partnership with the St Matthias local parish church and the LDBS.
The vision and values of the school St Matthias provides a safe and happy environment for all of our children and staff to learn, develop and excel in their academic and social education. We believe that our children have to be supported to achieve and prepare for their lives ahead. We instil the values and care needed to ensure they become responsible, confident and capable members of society. Our Christian ethos is underpinned by the principle of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ and children are encouraged to love themselves and others to ensure respect for all and the right to knowledge. We believe that it is imperative that all children have the necessary skills and attitudes to equip them for an unknown but prosperous future, that allows them to make positive choices about their own lives. We offer a consistent approach to learning to ensure they have the skills necessary to apply to a variety of situations. At St Matthias we are all here to learn.
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Working in Partnership PRIMARY ADVANTAGE FEDERATION St Matthias CE Primary School is a part of the Primary Advantage Federation. We are a group of schools working together because we believe our schools can gain many benefits from working collaboratively and can achieve more by working together. We have made a commitment to a shared responsibility to the wider education community, the provision of good quality education and the improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools. Teachers, support staff, school leaders and Governors have added expertise in working alongside colleagues to improve provision and outcomes for pupils.
WHAT IS OUR APPROACH? We work in partnership, pooling our expertise
and resources in order to achieve collectively what we may not be able to achieve individually We believe passionately in improving the life
chances for our pupils We do not tolerate low expectations We match tried and tested strategies that we
know work to the needs of the schools and use our experience of supporting schools in successfully implementing them We promote a collaborative approach whilst
developing the capacity of each school to serve its own community and retain its distinct identity
Every teacher is a good teacher; every school
is a good school Teachers who use the most effective teaching
methods to motivate learners and raise aspirations. As a result all pupils will make good or better progress Quality learning environments where pupils
feel safe and secure, known and valued and motivated to learn. Robust teaching and application of ICT skills ensure our pupils are properly equipped for the next stage of learning Curriculum provision which inspires and
motivates pupils and broadens their horizons. Our curriculum supports community cohesion through an international curriculum strand We work with precision and move
incrementally towards achieving outstanding grades in the majority of aspects of each school’s work Through pupil partnership work we continue
to break down locally perceived boundaries and help pupils to work harmoniously with pupils from other areas of Hackney We seek to maximise the efficiency and
effectiveness of each school by capitalising on centralised services and sharing systems
To find out more about Primary Advantage Federation please visit: www.primaryadvantage.co.uk
We recognise the importance of individuality,
spontaneity and creativity in developing innovation
WHAT OUTCOMES DO WE WANT? 5
Primary Advantage National Teaching Schools Primary Advantage National Teaching Schools Teaching schools are outstanding schools that work with others to provide high-quality training and development to new and experienced school staff. They are part of the government’s plan to give schools a central role in raising standards by developing a self-improving and sustainable school-led system. St John and St James, Holy Trinity and Springfield are designated teaching schools, working in collaboration with the other three schools in the federation; St Matthias, Morningside and St John the Baptist. The school works in partnership with primary schools across the borough and beyond and play a key role within the Primary Advantage National Teaching Schools Alliance. Primary Advantage is a federation of schools working together because we believe our schools can gain many benefits from working collaboratively. We have made a commitment to a shared responsibility to the wider school community, the provision of good quality education and the improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools. Our work on improving provision for children will continue to see us working in partnership with schools in Hackney, across London and into the County of Suffolk. We will be working closely with our strategic partners, The Institute of Education and Hackney Learning Trust, to effectively deliver Initial Teacher Training (School direct and PGCE), Continuous Professional Development, talent management, school to school support, the brokering of Specialist Leaders of Education and research and development. Primary Advantage National Teaching School Alliance will see all schools within the alliance achieving more together.
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Job Description - Class Teacher JOB PURPOSE: Teaching Assistants are appointed to work with pupils as part of a team under the direction of the Headteacher who is responsible for the overall policy and educational programme. Teaching Assistants work primarily to:
Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Level 2) Reports to: Deputy and Assistant Headteacher Accountable to: Headteacher Salary: Scale 4 18-21 (21,120—
To administer routine tests and exams and undertake routine marking of pupil’s work. To assist in the preparing and managing of the learning environment and classroom resources and to develop learning aids as required. To assist the Classroom Teacher with problems that may arise. To undertake support activities for the Classroom Teacher as required. To work within an agreed system of supervision with small groups of children and to take responsibility for their learning.
Foster the participation of pupils in 23,145 pro rota) 39 hours the school and academic processes of the school, To deliver pastoral and learning Seek to enable pupils to become support. more independent learners, and To deal with minor incidents and the Help to raise standards of health and hygiene of the children. achievement for all pupils. To read with individual children and groups and complete reading records MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Support for the Curriculum: as directed by the Classroom To undertake structured and Teacher. The following duties and responsibilities agreed learning activities/ teaching To provide feedback to pupils in are based on the National Occupational programmes, adjusting the relation to progress and achievement Standards). activities according to pupil under guidance of the Classroom responses. Teacher. Support for the Pupil To support the school curriculum including literacy and numeracy Support for the Teacher: To provide specific care for pupils activities. with significant care requirements To adapt lessons to meet the needs To undertake programmes linked to (eg. Children with statements, of individuals and groups with a local and national learning individuals with disabilities), including wide range of different abilities, key strategies, eg. literacy, numeracy, supporting pupils with medical needs. stages and learning needs. KS3 and early years recording To help with the care and support of To perform activities with, and take achievement and progress and pupils. responsibility for groups at different feeding back to the Classroom To contribute to the health and welllevels. Teacher. being of pupils. To make appropriate use of ICT to To prepare, maintain and use To establish and maintain enhance and enrich pupil learning equipment/resources required to relationships with individual pupils, and attainment. meet the lesson plans/relevant groups and parents. To keep records of individual pupil learning activity and assist pupils in To support pupils during learning development as required by the their use. activities by promoting independent school. To help pupils to develop their learning. To contribute to the planning and literacy and numeracy skills to To support pupils individual learning evaluation of learning activities for improve attainment across the needs and development, eg. cognitive individuals and groups. curriculum. and learning skills. To monitor and track progress and To assist with the implementation of feedback on individuals as required. Support for the School: Individual Education/Behaviour Plans To administer routine tests and To develop and maintain positive and Personal Care programmes. undertake routine marking of working relationships with other Under the direction of Classroom pupil’s work. professionals. Teacher, to work with small groups of To provide regular feedback to the To attend and actively participate in children and to take responsibility for Classroom Teacher on pupil’s staff meetings. their learning. achievement, progress, problems To contribute to the maintenance To promote the inclusion and etc. of pupil safety and security. acceptance of all pupils. To promote good pupil behaviour, To assist teaching staff in the To encourage pupils to interact with dealing promptly with conflicts and smooth transition between others and engage in activities led by incidents in line with the school’s educational phases. the Classroom Teacher. behaviour policy and encourage To care for the children and be pupils to take responsibility for To set challenging and demanding motivated to improve their life their own behaviour. expectations and promote selfoutcomes. esteem and independence. To support home to school/ community links. 7
Job Description - Class Teacher To observe and report on pupil’s performance and contribute to maintaining pupil records. To review and develop own personal and professional practice. To liaise effectively with parents/ carers and other interested parties. To provide reasonable support services to the school, eg. answering telephones, displaying work as necessary. To be aware of, and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop. To assist with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and at lunchtimes. To accompany teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required. To contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the school.
GENERAL: This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the postholder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the manager. This job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the postholder. The postholder is expected to comply with all relevant policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and the Confidentiality of Information. The postholder may be required to work outside normal school hours on occasion, with due notice.
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Teaching Assistant- Personal Specification Qualifications and Experience Essential At least NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification in experience in a relevant discipline. Numeracy and literacy skills equivalent of at least a National Curriculum level 5. Previous experience of working with children, preferably in a school environment.
Possesses effective verbal communication skills.
children who have a variety of needs.
Presents information and ideas clearly and uses communication appropriate to the audience.
Able to work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and own position within these.
Able to create an environment of trust by delivering on promises.
Pays attention to detail and checks quality of own work for accuracy.
Able to adapt personal style of communication to reflect a situation and/or need.
Possesses initiative and can demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.
NVQ2 Teaching Assistant qualification or a willingness to work towards accredited qualification.
Utilises report writing skills to accurately reflect a situation through Accountability and Freedom to Act positive communication techniques. Able to make routine decisions Able to disseminate information and based upon guidelines and demonstrates a consultative procedures laid down within approach to communication. established frameworks.
Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant.
Able to persuade and influence others effectively.
Leads by example in standards of behaviour in the work environment.
Knowledge
Able to demonstrate tact and diplomacy in communication.
Other
Able to relate well to children and adults.
Understands the nature of a Church of England Primary School.
Desirable Current First Aiders’ certificate/ training.
Essential Possesses a sound understanding of early childhood development and learning.
Skills and Abilities
An understanding of issues related to under-achievement and the barriers Exercises flexibility so as to take on to learning that some pupils face. changes in work priorities and practices. An understanding of relevant legislation, policies and codes of practice, eg. child protection, data protection and freedom of information. An understanding of effective teaching and learning programmes and strategies.A good working knowledge of national/foundation stage curriculum and other learning programmes/strategies. Desirable
An understanding of how planning and evaluation can support pupil learning.
Willingness to support the teaching of Religious Education (RE) and to attend collective worship to meet the expectations of the Governing Body. Willingness to partake in continuous professional development.
Able to balance tasks and resources in the organisation of a wide range of activities. Able to provide contingency plans to address the unexpected. Demonstrates clear and logical thinking in working through problems. Able to anticipate workload and plans ahead to manage workload peaks.
Communication
Able to create a positive attitude within the classroom which encourages enthusiasm and interest in learning.
Essential
An awareness of the needs of 9
Application Process Applicants are asked to complete all the standard information required on the Primary Advantage application form, and to submit a supporting statement, addressing all the criteria identified in the person specification. Please specify the role you are applying for i.e Teaching Assistant. The reference number for this application is: STM/TA15. Candidates are advised that when completing the references section on the application form to please ensure that: • Your first referee must be your current, or most recent, employer • You must provide a recent employer or a character who can confirm your ability for the role Shortlisted candidates will be asked to teach an activity or lesson and will be advised of the details of the lesson observation prior to interview.
Successful Candidates Candidates must ensure that if they are successful at interview, that they are able to provide evidence of their Right to Work and Remain in the UK. The school is not able to employ any person who cannot validate their Right to Work and Remain in the UK in the line with the Asylum, Immigration and Nationality Act 2000. Successful candidates will be required to apply for an enhanced Criminal Record Check via the DBS. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment.
Completed Application Forms Completed application forms must be received by 9:30am on Monday 6th July 2015. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 15th July 2015. If you have any queries or would like to arrange to visit our schools, please contact Leanna Boyce on 0207 254 1148 or email lboyce@st-matthias.hackney.sch.uk.
We look forward to receiving your application.
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Contact Details St Matthias CE Primary School Wordsworth Road London N16 8DD Tel: 0207 2541148 Fax: 0207 2759215 Email: lboyce@stmatthias.hackney.sch.uk Please visit our website: www.st-matthias.hackney.sch.uk
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