Teaching Assistant

Job Introduction

About Us

The Communication and Interaction Team provide support to children and young people, public funded schools and academies across Oxfordshire, including Specialist Resource Bases. We are a team of specialist teaching, advisory and support staff who work closely with settings to develop inclusive practice as part of SENSS (a countywide Local Authority Special Educational Needs Support Service).  

About the Role

• Teaching Assistant
• Special Educational Needs Support Service (SENSS)
• SENSS Communication and Interaction Resource Base  
• Lord William’s School, Thame

We are looking for an enthusiastic teaching assistant for a full-time position (32.5 hours per week) working in the specialist resource base at Lord William’s School for children with Autism and Communication and Interaction needs. 

About you

Our Communication and Interaction Resource Bases are in mainstream schools where you will work 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. 

Our ideal candidate has a quiet and encouraging manner, highly developed communication skills and the ability to remain calm in difficult situations. You need to be open to learning and to have a commitment to inclusion for children and young people with Special Educational Needs. 

Please see attached post outline and person specification for more information. For general enquiries about the post please contact Louise Hawkins, Lead Teacher on 01844210710 or Ryan Bradley, Area Manager on 07990550751.

Rewards and benefits

• This post is Term Time Only – 39/52 Weeks 
• Grade:  6, Scale Points 8 – 13 (Hourly rate equivalent £12.80 rising to £13.93)
• Hours: 32.5              
• Paid Leave Entitlement: 5.45 weeks 
• Contract: Temporary Maternity Cover (starting in February 2025)
• Service / team: Special Educational Needs Support Service (SENSS)

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, full time and 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