Full Time Teaching Assistant - Fixed Term - Special Needs Position

The Ifield School, Gravesend

• Ref:KCC886-7039-326S
• Posted:29/11/2021
• Pay:KR3 (£18,425 FTE) + SEN Allowance (Pro-rata)
• Start Date:January 2022
• App Close Date:03/12/2021 at 09:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Are you a TA with specialist SEND experience considering your next career step? Are you looking for a job role where you can make an enormous contribution to young people? Would you like to join a school where you have a feeling of accomplishment?

If you are looking for the above, then you should consider working at Ifield School, a unique and outstanding school. 

Ifield school is a 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, £18,425 + SEN Allowance (pro-rata), assisting pupils with activities that challenge their thinking whilst supporting them with communication, writing and mathematics skills. Some of our pupils and students also require support and assistance with personal care. Initially, this is a fixed term contract until 31^st August 2022, subject to review at the end of this period.

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 room, Sensory circuit and swing room, hydro pool, & Ifield’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. (Team Teach, Paediatric First Aid, Communication & Sensory Circuits)
• Supported by a consistently high-quality leadership and management 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 2:2degree, preferably in Maths, Science or English

The candidate must have:

• Specialist SEND experience (Primary and Secondary ideally)
• 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 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 hydro pool
• Driving licence and experience driving school minibus

If you feel our school culture and ethos fits with your career aspirations and overall wellbeing, please call Leigh  on 01474-365485 with any questions.  Please use the apply button below to 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 King's 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

• 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.

• Job description for Teaching Assistant