Vacancy: Teaching Assistant (Resource Base / Nurtured Learning / SEMH)

School
River Mead School
Job reference
VJC_010
Closing date
9.00am on 6 January 2022
Interview date
To be confirmed
Start date
As soon as possible after appointment
Contract type
Permanent
Salary
Grade D £21,189 - Grade E £22,777 pro rata depending on experience and qualifications
Hours
8.30am – 3.15pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 8.30am – 4.15pm on a Thursday. Term time only plus 5 INSET Days a year
Location
Lowbourne, Melksham SN12 7ED
Role overview
We have a vacancy at River Mead School in Melksham for a Teaching Assistant to work with our most complex children in school based within the team working across the Complex Needs Resource Base/ Nurtured learning & SEMH provisions.

Although a knowledge of working with children with complex needs is desirable, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive induction process, and delivering professional development to all of our staff throughout their time with us. We will give full training to the right person, as we believe strongly that it’s much more about attitude and approach than it is about experience. As a result, we welcome applications from people who are passionate about working with children, no matter what their background is.

You might have just finished a qualification in childcare or Teaching and Learning, or have worked in a specialist provision, or cared for children in another setting. Our staff come from a huge variety of backgrounds, and we embrace and actively welcome people from all walks of life. We understand the vast knowledge and skill that comes from a range of sectors. On a typical day our Teaching Assistants:
• Work with groups and individuals under the direction of a teacher, to develop the physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills of children
• Assist with learning activities to develop children’s knowledge through support and encouragement
• Make observations of the children’s progress, attitudes and behaviour
• Prepare activities, make sure that appropriate equipment is available, and help clear away afterwards
• Administer First Aid and medication
• Display children’s work in classrooms and corridors, to celebrate their achievements and contribute to the positive, vibrant atmosphere of the school

To be successful in this role, you will need:
• The patience, passion, and dedication to work with some of our most vulnerable and challenging children
• At least a Level 2 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Grade C / 4 or higher in both GCSE English and Maths
• A paediatric First Aid qualification (or willingness to achieve one)

How to apply
Please refer to the candidate brief for details on how to apply for this role.
Other information
We warmly welcome visits to our schools, and if you would like to visit us please email hello@themeadtrust.org so that we can arrange this.

Candidate Briefing Pack >

Application Form >
Equality & Diversity Form >

This role will involve contact with children and the post holder will be engaged in regulated activity relevant to children and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed. 

This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exception Order 1975 (2013 & 2020) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’.  These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

Please note that by submitting an application, you acknowledge that we reserve the right to view any publicly available information published online (including social media platforms) as part of our shortlisting process, in line with current KCSIE guidelines.

Child Protection Policy >
Code of Conduct >

What we offer

We recognise the value and contribution every member of our staff makes to our schools, and in return for their dedication and commitment we provide:

  • An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic staff and children in all of our schools
  • A highly organised and very supportive team
  • High quality professional development opportunities from Day One, including a National College account, where you can access thousands of training courses online for free
  • A clear vision with purpose and values that are supported by all our staff
  • Unlimited, free access to the Employee Assistance Programme which gives all our staff confidential support and guidance whenever they need it