Teaching Assistant - Leading Industry Pay

Our Purpose at The Alice Smith School

According to the words of our school song: ‘Soon there were two, who were joined by a few’. Alice Smith started a movement with just two people. That single brave act sparked a positive chain reaction. She inspired other families to join her on her journey, creating a nurturing environment for generations of learners and a home away from home for thousands of families.

In that same vein, we keep the Alice Smith spirit alive by building a nurturing community that encourages our students to explore the world with courage, curiosity and compassion. 

To build a better world together.

Our purpose is embedded through our three strategic pillars:

Our People

We are a diverse collective of experts and curious minds, working together to push the boundaries of education to lead learning for an ever-changing world.

Our Students

We encourage students to explore different paths with courage and curiosity, in an environment that empowers them to make an impact as their best self.

Our World

We are a supportive, connected community that innovates, explores and learns together.

Job Purpose 

To work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in the classroom with the teacher, to support access to learning for pupils and provide general support to the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.

Responsibilities/Duties:

1. Support For Pupils 

● To have regard for the safety and well-being of the pupil at all times.

● To work alongside the individual and groups of pupils in activities specified by the class teacher, establishing good relationships and acting as a role model. 

● To encourage inclusion within the classroom. 

● To encourage pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher. 

● To assist in the supervision of pupils on outings or visits. 

● To encourage good personal hygiene and assist with necessary independence skills (e.g. feeding, toileting, dressing etc.)

2. Support for Teachers

• To receive instruction from teachers regarding the daily/weekly programme of activities and events. 
• To set out, prepare, use, tidy and clean equipment after use. Assist in the general preparation and tidying of the classroom under supervision. 
• To be aware of pupils' problems/progress/achievements and report to the teacher as agreed. 
• To provide administrative and clerical support e.g. record keeping, photocopying, filing etc..
•  To assist in the display of pupils' work to reflect their achievement. 
• To work within the school established Rewards and Sanctions policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, reporting difficulties as appropriate.

3. Support for the Curriculum

• To prepare and assist specific activities, supporting pupils to understand instructions in respect of any learning strategies. 
• Support pupils in respect of national learning strategies e.g. literacy, numeracy, early years, as directed by the teacher. 
• To set out and prepare equipment, indoors & outdoors.

4. Support for the School

• To attend appropriate staff meetings as required. 
• To be aware of all Health & Safety issues. 
• To treat all information relating to a child as strictly confidential and to refer all enquiries to your immediate line manager. 
• To assist with the general supervision of children, including before and after school, during break times and/ or when required. 
• To be a proactive member of the school and teaching assistant team.
• To attend relevant professional development, in order to update knowledge 
•  To promote the policies and ethos of the school

Safe Recruitment Practices:

As a school with a diverse collective of experts, we uphold recruitment protocols that adhere to the highest possible international standards. We conduct thorough pre-employment checks on candidate references and verify qualifications. If you require further information regarding the School's 'Pre-Appointment Checks,' please liaise with our People and Culture representative, as the process may vary for individuals of different nationalities.

We prioritise the careful scrutiny of checks as they are essential in ensuring a safe and secure environment for our students. By maintaining stringent recruitment practices, we aim to provide a nurturing and protected learning environment for all our students.

The duties and responsibilities of this post may vary from time to time according to the changing demands of the school. This job description may be reviewed at the reasonable discretion of the Head of School and school leadership in the light of those changing requirements and in consultation with the post holder.