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 is a Foundation District Special School for pupils with profound, severe and complex learning needs and communication and interaction difficulties from age four to nineteen. Ifield School has a dynamic and innovative staff who work closely with pupils to create an ethos of care, respect and success. Inclusion is one of our priorities and this is achieved through our outreach, resources and training centre, Ifield SMILE.

In May 2018 Ofsted judged Ifield as an Outstanding school for the third consecutive time.

Ifield was designated a National Teaching School in September 2014 and is committed to the development of the Thames Teaching Alliance for the remainder of its tenure.

Ifield School is one of the founding members of KSENT, a co-operative trust for Kent Special Schools.

In September 2015, Ifield School federated with King's Farm Primary School under one Governing Body collectively known as the Cedar Federation. Ifield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 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.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Rosie Owen
• Address:Cedar Avenue, Gravesend , Kent, DA12 5JT
• Telephone: 01474 365485
• Email: rowen@ifield.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Teaching Assistant JD