Ifield School is a unique and outstanding special school for children and young people with profound, severe, and complex needs. Almost half of all our pupils have a diagnosis of autism and speech and language difficulties whilst some have complex medical needs. By joining our school cohort, you will work in a variety of environments, no two days are the same. You will be working term time only as a teaching assistant, 31 hours per week, assisting pupils with their learning and development that challenges their thinking whilst supporting them with communication, writing, mathematics and life skills. Some of our pupils and older students also require support and assistance with personal care.
The postholder is required to work for 39 weeks per year. In addition, the postholder will receive a payment in respect of their pro rata entitlement to Annual Leave appropriate to their grade, Bank Holidays and the KCC concessionary day.
Hours of work are Monday & Thursday 08.30 – 15.45, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 08.45 – 3.30.
What we can offer the candidate:
* The opportunity to work in various environments, not just the classroom. We have several learning spaces including the Rainbow, Sensory Circuit and Swing Rooms, Hydrotherapy pool and Ifield School’s Woodland. Ifield School won the Guardian’s National ‘School We’d Like’ competition creating a new facility to enhance outdoor learning.
* Joining a team of experienced and outstanding teaching assistants who will share their expertise, support and knowledge (Makaton, PECS, SCERTS, PROACT-SCIP-r UK, Sensory Circuits and Paediatric First Aid)
* Supported by a consistently high-quality leadership team
* Entitlement to Kent Rewards and KCC employee benefit scheme
* Enrolment in local government Pension Scheme
* Focus on Mental Health & Wellbeing with access to key services including a free counselling support line
* Comprehensive CPD programme
* Opportunities to apply for a School Direct Placement leading to Qualified teacher status if you would like to progress your career within our school and have a minimum of a 2:2 degree, preferably in Maths, Science or English
The candidate must have:
* Specialist SEND experience working with children and young adults. We would also consider exceptional candidates that lack this experience but come from a carer/medical background and can demonstrate a strong ability and capacity to work with our children and young people at Ifield School.
* NVQ level 2 supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or equivalent, alongside GSCE grades A to C in Maths and English (you will be required to produce original certificates)
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to use own initiative
* Patience, understanding and resilience to work in a Special school
* Enthusiastic and passionate about supporting and working with pupils with severe and complex needs
Additional skills set would be an advantage:
* Multi-lingual skills to support EAL pupils
* Qualifications in swimming to support pupils in the hydrotherapy pool
* Driving licence and experience driving school minibus
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a Self-Disclosure Form and will also be subject to an online search.
Please call Gemma Waghorn, HR Lead, on 01474-365485 with any questions. Use the apply button below to FULLY complete your application form.
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