One-to-One Teaching Assistant

Polaris Education - ISP School, Whitstable
One-to-One Teaching Assistant - Progress Engagement Guide (PEG)
Contract: Part Time, Term Time Only, Fixed-Term
Salary: £19,674.54
Hours: 30 hours per week (9:00 - 15:30 Monday to Thursday; 09:00 - 13:00 Friday)
Start date: ASAP
Location: Whitstable, Kent
Benefits: Company pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Are you a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant with a deep understanding of early years frameworks and curriculum development? Do you thrive in a nurturing and specialised educational environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our small and supportive team. You will play a crucial role in providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment for our children. Working with children who often present with challenging behaviours, you will help them feel included within the school community and attend regularly.

About Us

ISP Whitstable is a small, specialised SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) primary school provision dedicated to supporting children with complex needs and challenging behaviours. Our school is a safe and nurturing environment where well-trained, supportive staff use therapeutic and holistic approaches to provide an engaging and inspiring learning experience tailored to each child's individual journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group
• Support the delivery of engaging and effective lessons in line with early years frameworks and curriculum development
• Build positive relationships with children and encourage interaction and positive learning outcomes
• Report on children's progress and concerns and liaise with other school staff to ensure children's needs are met
• Supervise children during non-classroom time, including extra-curricular activities and school trips
• Assist with lesson planning and classroom preparation
• Set work where appropriate and mark work
• Implement attachment and trauma-informed strategies to support children's social, emotional and mental health needs
• Participate in school events, extra-curricular activities and staff meetings as required

Qualifications and Skills

• A relevant qualification in education or a related field, e.g., Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in an educational setting
• A strong understanding of early years frameworks and curriculum development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Patience, empathy and a genuine passion for working with children with complex needs
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team

Teaching and Learning

An ISP PEG is expected to:

• Give teaching and learning the highest priority and develop relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher
• Promote inclusion by encouraging participation of all children in learning and extra-curricular activities
• Use effective behaviour-management strategies consistently in line with the school's policies
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with children, adapting to their needs and supporting their learning
• Maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment by organising and managing physical teaching space and resources

Working with Others

An ISP PEG is expected to:

• Recognise and respect the role and contribution of other professionals, parents and carers by liaising effectively and working in partnership with them
• Understand their role and work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues
• Communicate their knowledge and understanding of children to other school staff and professionals so that informed decision-making can take place regarding intervention and provision

What We Offer

• A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team that is passionate about improving pupil outcome