Short Heath Federation LEVEL 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Term Time Only to work initially at: Rosedale CE Infant School 32½hrs a week Grade G7 SP 24-27 FTE £34,412- £38,220 Pro-Rata to hours/weeks worked. This is a fantastic opportunity for a very special Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join a team of exceptional staff and children on an exciting phase in their journey. If you are looking for a ‘once in a career’ opportunity to learn and grow with our forward facing school, then this is the role for you! A little bit about us: “Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) Our school is built on a foundation of love and compassion. We are a church school with strong values that are embodied in everything we say and do. We are special because our children have made us this way. We are offering the unique opportunity to work in a highly inclusive school where all of our children, whatever their level of need, are loved and valued. Our children come to school with a range of starting points, differences and needs. Our proportions of children with SEN and SEMH needs are significantly higher than national average, as are the proportion of children who have an EHCP. As a result of this we have been led on an exciting journey of inclusive practice. In the words of Ross Green, we believe that “Children do well if they can”. Our classrooms are designed for the children of today and they mirror the developmental stage and needs of our unique Rosedale cohort. They are happy, busy and emotionally safe environments. Clear routines, consistent boundaries and warm, responsive relationships help children to feel secure. Our children are encouraged to be autonomous, make choices about their learning and experience success. The use of Continuous Provision as a context for learning is a whole Key Stage approach and we place the highest value upon play to support children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Nurture is fully embedded in our school and has been at the heart of our whole school development for almost 10 years. This means we offer a graduated approach to nurture and are incredibly proud of our nurture provision and the difference it has made to our children. We also have three additionally supported learning provisions in school for children with communication and interaction differences. These children follow a bespoke curriculum in small groups with higher adult ratios, accessing their mainstream classrooms when appropriate and beneficial to their learning. Our school works closely with our HOPE Team – a highly skilled team offering support and guidance to our families and a school therapist who offers support and supervision to our children and staff. A little bit about the role: “If your why isn’t big enough, then your excuses will be.” This exciting opportunity has been created due to our current HLTA moving onto the next stage in their career. It will involve leading our nurture provision for part of the day and co-teaching at other times. Our current HLTA who has been with us for approximately 9 years, also leads on the delivery of music and drama in KS1, although this could be adapted to suit the candidates strengths. This is what our current HLTA has to say about the role: “Working as the Nurture Lead at Rosedale Infants has been the most challenging yet rewarding role I've ever had. Being able to make a real difference to the lives of these children, both educationally and emotionally, has been such a privilege (even if I have gained a few extra grey hairs in the process) and working with such special children in the most supportive environment with the most passionate team of staff, is a real honour.” A little bit about you: “Surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be…” We don’t ask for the ‘perfect product’ because none of us are! What we do ask for is staff who are always kind, compassionate and curious. Our children need warmth, acceptance, playfulness and people who believe ‘there is always another way’. There will be great days at Rosedale, where you will go home laughing. There will also be sad days and emotionally tough days. We need staff who don’t take things personally, who talk to us, reflect and come back the next day with a smile. You will need to be committed, hardworking, solution focused and determined beyond belief to make a difference. Ideally you will be trained in Nurture, trauma informed responses and relational practice. You will have a good understanding of the 6 principles of nurture and what they look like in practice. You will have experience of planning a nurture curriculum or one that promotes social, emotional and mental health. If you don’t, you will be passionate about nurture and willing to take your learning to a new level. Most importantly you will need to believe that ALL children have the right to experience an education that gives them what they need to be happy and successful. “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower”. If you can see yourself being part of our team, we would love you to come and see what life is like here – come and talk to our Head of School and Nurture Lead– Mrs Vicki Stephen and/or talk to our staff and children. Please telephone the school office on 01902 368910 to book a visit. You can download an application pack from our website - www.shortheathfederation.org.uk. Short Heath Federation is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, keeping children safe in education and promoting British Values in school and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure check and a completed Disqualification by Association form, along with relevant pre-employment checks, including two suitable professional references. Closing date for applications is Friday 20th March Interviews will be held on Wednesday 25th March Starting date for role: As soon as possible.