Teaching Assistant (SENSS Resource Base) St Andrews

Job Introduction

About Us

The SENSS Resource Base at St Andrews School in Chinnor provides a range of support and guidance to students with communication and interaction difficulties (which includes those on the autistic spectrum).
 

About the Role

This role is a temporary maternity cover for up to twelve months.

You will be working closely with specialist classroom teachers, providing directed support, care and supervision to children including those who have Autistic Spectrum Disorders and associated language, interaction, learning and communication difficulties.

The aim of your support and guidance will be to enable the children in Key stage 1&2 to access the curriculum and to facilitate full inclusion in school life, supporting children to learn as independently as possible.  

About you

Skilled Teaching Assistant/s with a calm and encouraging manner and a positive and solution-focussed mindset are required to work with young people attending the St Andrews Resource Base.  

You will have experience of working with children and young people with SEN and want to make a positive difference to learning outcomes and access to education.  

You have a good level of basic education (e.g. Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English or equivalent) and have good spoken and written English language skills. You will be able to communicate sensitively and appropriately with children, parents/carers, and colleagues.  

You can work positively as part of a team but also feel confident to work independently and take initiative when needed. 

Working closely with specialist teachers and school staff to improve outcomes, your aim will be to enable access to the curriculum and to facilitate full inclusion for the students with special educational needs and disability with whom you work. Previous experience is desirable, but training will be given.

No previous knowledge of working with students who have a physical disability or communication, and interaction differences is required, but would be an advantage. A passion for working with young people to make a difference and improve their access to learning is essential.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Steph Whitelock, Resource Base Coordinator, SENSS Resource Base; phone: 0778867382 or email: stephanie.whitelock@oxfordshire.gov.uk or sarah.vincent@oxfordshire.gov.uk. 

You are also most welcome to visit the base, meet our friendly and caring team, and the students we support, before you apply.

Rewards and benefits

• The role is term time only (39 weeks per year) with 5.64 holiday weeks paid (i.e. 44.64 paid weeks per year)
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. 

We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk