Full Time Teaching Assistant - Term Time

The Ifield School, Gravesend

• Ref:KCC886-7039-427S
• Posted:03/10/2023
• Pay:KR3(£21,293 FTE) pro rata + SEN Allowance pro-rata
• Start Date:November 2023
• App Close Date:25/10/2023 at 23:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

 Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding new opportunity?

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, 30.5/31 hours per week, £21,293 FTE (pro rata) + SEN Allowance (pro-rata), 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. 

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 Rosie or Suzanne on 01474-365485 with any questions.  Use the apply button below to FULLY complete your application form.

Information about the school

Ifield School is a Foundation co-educational school for pupils aged 4 to 19 years of age with Profound, Severe and Complex learning needs, including Communication and Interaction difficulties. The majority of pupils have learning difficulties associated with Autism, Speech, Language and Communication and, in addition, some pupils have complex medical conditions.

Ifield School is federated with King’s Farm Primary School.

Ifield Nursery was established in 2007 and is based at King’s Farm Primary School. It is a joint Early Years provision for pupils aged from 2 to 5 years old. This setting enables the pupils to learn and play alongside their mainstream peers whilst formal assessments are completed and all pupils at the nursery benefit from the resources and facilities that Ifield School offers.

Ifield School has a strong collaboration with North Kent College located 1.9 miles from the school site. 16 – 19 year old students attend Ifield Sixth Form based at North Kent College. LINK stands for “Learning With Ifield and North Kent” and reflects the close working partnership that exists between Ifield School and North Kent College. Students who attend The LINK Centre have a building and resources that have been specifically tailored to support their learning and medical needs. The students follow a highly personalised curriculum within a safe and secure environment and are also able to enjoy the benefits of the college’s restaurant and library facilities. Sixth Form students focus on preparing for adulthood and securing the outcomes identified on their Education, Health and Care Plans. Many of the students leave Ifield’s Sixth Form to attend courses at other colleges of further education or to move into employment.

Ifield School initiated a Post 19 provision in September 2014 as a pilot to focus on learners working towards independence and employability, while strengthening mathematics and English skills. LINK19 College Ltd was formed in January 2018 for 19-25 year olds. LINK19 College is a separate provision to Ifield School, but cohabits the same building as Ifield’s Sixth Form.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Gemma Waghorn
• Address:Cedar Avenue, Gravesend , Kent, DA12 5JT
• Telephone: 01474 365485
• Email: gwaghorn@ifield.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Teaching Assistant JD