Part Time Teaching Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

To work under the direction of the Class Teacher to support high-quality teaching and learning, enabling all pupils, including those with SEND and those who may experience barriers to learning, to participate fully and make good progress.

The Teaching Assistant will contribute to a safe, caring and inclusive environment in which every child is valued for their unique personal worth and encouraged to be the best they can be in the light of God’s love through positive relationships, care, respect and service to others.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Teaching and Learning

• Work under the direction of the Class Teacher to support the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning.
• Support individual pupils, small groups and whole-class activities as directed by the teacher.
• Help pupils understand instructions and access learning through appropriate explanation, modelling, scaffolding and resources.
• Encourage pupils to become increasingly independent and resilient learners.
• Reinforce learning introduced by the teacher and provide appropriate feedback to pupils.
• Prepare and organise resources to support lessons and learning activities.
• Support pupils' literacy, phonics, reading, writing and mathematics as appropriate.
• Deliver structured interventions and programmes planned by the teacher
• Observe pupils' responses to learning and provide accurate feedback to the Class Teacher.
• Contribute to the assessment and recording of pupil progress where required.
• Support learning outside the classroom, including educational visits, enrichment activities and school events.

Supporting Pupils with SEND and Additional Needs

• Promote inclusive practice so that pupils with SEND can access the curriculum and participate fully in school life.
• Follow individual support plans, provision plans, EHCP provision and advice from relevant professionals where applicable.
• Use appropriate adaptive strategies, including scaffolding, visual supports, adapted resources and assistive technology where required.
• Support pupils with communication, interaction, emotional regulation, sensory and physical needs as appropriate to the role.
• Work collaboratively with the Class Teacher and SENCo to identify barriers to learning and implement agreed strategies.
• Support pupils through transitions and changes in routines where necessary.

Behaviour, Wellbeing and Pastoral Support

• Develop positive, professional relationships with pupils based on mutual trust and respect.
• Promote high expectations of behaviour in line with the school's Behaviour Policy.
• Model calm, respectful and positive interactions at all times.
• Support pupils to develop positive relationships, self-regulation, resilience and independence.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to pupils who may require additional emotional or pastoral support.
• Assist with the supervision of pupils during breaktimes, lunchtimes, transitions and other times as directed.
• Support pupils in resolving difficulties peacefully and respectfully, reflecting Gospel values.

Catholic Life and Mission

• Actively support and promote the Catholic ethos, mission and values of St Joseph’s.
• Model Gospel values through relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and the wider community.
• Support class prayer, prayer and liturgy and whole-school liturgical celebrations.
• Encourage pupils to participate respectfully and meaningfully in prayer and worship.
• Promote the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, including dignity, solidarity, care for creation and service to others.
• Respect and support pupils and families of all faiths and none.

Safeguarding

• Have due regard for the safety and wellbeing of every child.
• Follow the school's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures at all times.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with pupils.
• Maintain confidentiality while understanding that safeguarding information must be shared appropriately.
• Complete required safeguarding training and keep knowledge up to date.
• Understand that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Working with Staff, Parents and Professionals

• Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, the SENCo, senior leaders and other members of staff.
• Communicate relevant observations and information about pupils promptly and professionally.
• Liaise positively and sensitively with parents and carers within the boundaries of the role and under the direction of the teacher or senior staff.
• Work appropriately with visiting professionals and external agencies.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding pupils, families and staff.
• Contribute positively to the wider staff team and the development of the school.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend relevant staff meetings, training and professional development as required.
• Engage positively with the school's appraisal and performance-management processes.
• Develop professional knowledge and skills relevant to the needs of pupils and the school.
• Follow all school and Trust policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding, behaviour, health and safety, equality, confidentiality and data protection.
• Promote equality of opportunity and inclusive practice.
• Take reasonable care of personal health and safety and that of others.
• Undertake playground, lunchtime or other supervisory duties as required.
• Accompany pupils on educational visits and other activities when required.
• Undertake first aid or other relevant training appropriate to the role where required.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post as directed by the Co-Headteachers.

General

The duties outlined in this job description are not exhaustive. The postholder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the level and nature of the role. The job description may be reviewed and amended following consultation to reflect the changing needs of the school.

What the school offers its staff

St. Joseph’s is a vibrant and thriving one-form entry Catholic primary school situated in the heart of Northfleet, near Gravesend, Kent. We take great pride in our strong sense of community and the nurturing environment we provide for our students. As a proud member of the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP), we are committed to delivering an exceptional Catholic education.

Our school has consistently achieved Outstanding ratings in both our Ofsted 2023 inspection and our Section 48 Denominational Inspection in 2020. This recognition reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive, high-quality learning experience where every child can flourish.

Why Choose St. Joseph’s?

Excellent Reputation

Our school is significantly oversubscribed, catering to children aged four to eleven. Parents and the community trust us to provide an excellent education rooted in Catholic values.

Strong Community Links

We have cultivated strong Home/School/Parish links, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement that enriches the educational experience.

Outstanding Leadership and Staff

We pride ourselves on collaboration and supporting each other's professional growth.

Positive Learning Environment

Our students demonstrate excellent behaviour and attitudes towards their learning and peers, creating a respectful and productive atmosphere in which everyone can thrive.

Staff Well-being

We recognise the importance of prioritising staff well-being and offer a supportive environment that values work-life balance. Our leadership team is committed to ensuring that staff feel valued, supported, and part of a nurturing community.

Convenient

Our school is situated in a residential area, close to excellent transport links and amenities, including Ebbsfleet International Railway Station and Bluewater Shopping Centre.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The safeguarding of our children is paramount. All successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and meet statutory requirements. We conduct all necessary checks to ensure the safety of our children.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.