Warning - This Vacancy is now Closed!

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 welcoming and inclusive educational environment catering for pupils aged four to nineteen with profound, severe, and complex learning needs, alongside communication and interaction differences. At Ifield, we pride ourselves on our vibrant community and innovative approach to education, where every pupil has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) tailored to their individual needs, reviewed annually to ensure progress and support.

Our dedicated staff members are the heart of our school, fostering an ethos of care, respect, and achievement. Through our collaborative efforts, we create a nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive and succeed. Inclusion is at the core of our mission and we achieve this through our outreach programmes, specialised resources, and the Ifield SMILE Training Centre.

Ifield School has been recognised as an outstanding provision by Ofsted for the fourth consecutive time, which is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education. Furthermore, Ifield School is a proud founding member of KsENT, a cooperative trust for Kent Special Schools, illustrating our dedication to collaboration and collective growth in special education. In September 2015, we federated with Kings Farm Primary School, forming the Cedar Federation under a unified governing body, further enhancing our capacity to provide exceptional education and care.

At Ifield School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils are paramount. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, and as such, stringent safeguarding measures are in place. The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and check against the ISA Barred List for children. Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Safe in Education legislation.

Join us at Ifield School, where every pupil’s successes are recognised, nurtured, and celebrated along their unique educational journey.

Job Contact Information

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.