Senior Teaching Assistant

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, motivated and dedicated SEND Senior Teaching Assistant to lead on Cognition and Learning: Literacy (CLL), and work in partnership with teaching and other SEND Team staff. You will support the learning, engagement and progress of SEND pupils in a range of contexts.

The SEND Senior Teaching Assistant (CCL) will:

• Work with class teachers and other Teaching Assistants to ensure SEND pupils engage in learning and make good progress;
• Develop expertise in Cognition and Learning: Literacy and promote best practice throughout the school within that area of specialism;
• Line Manage teaching assistants and mentor apprentices to develop their skills within your area of specialism;
• Promote pupils’ independent learning skills, self-esteem and social inclusion;
• Give support to pupils through structured interventions so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement;
• Act as a Key Worker for a number of SEND pupils, maintaining regular contact with parents / carers;
• Work closely with Faculty Leaders to ensure teaching staff have the skills, knowledge, training and resources to differentiate appropriately to meet the needs of SEND pupils within their subjects;
• Be linked to and support the English Faculty with SEND intervention and teaching strategies, developing expertise in specific subject areas;

We have recently undertaken a radical re-structure of our SEND provision and the successful candidate will work in an exciting, fast-paced and highly motivated, yet supportive environment. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards for behaviour, engagement and academic outcomes. At Whickham School, we value all of our pupils and ensure that they are seen as individuals with differing interests, knowledge, skills and needs. We have an inclusive ethos and strive to increase the learning and participation of all pupils, ensuring access to an appropriate curriculum.

SEND is seen as a whole-school issue, hence the responsibility of everyone. Every teacher is a teacher of every young person, including those with SEND or any other additional need. We work closely with our children, families and a wide range of professionals to ensure the best possible educational outcomes.

Our aim is to ensure every young person is the best they can be and whilst we have already achieved much in achieving our goal, we recognise that there is so much more we can do. We are proud of our good reputation within the region and positive feedback we receive from students, parents, staff and external organisations such as Ofsted.

The role is 37 hours per week in term time. Hours of work are 8.20am – 4.20pm Monday – Thursday and 8.20am – 3.50pm on a Friday.  Please submit your application via the following link to the TES and have your application uploaded by 9am on Friday 30th June 2023 https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/senior-teaching-assistant-gateshead-1881861 .