Teacher Assistance

Job Description

ISP Teacher Assistance Key Responsibilities

Key tasks

Learning and teaching

• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to learning and teaching in alignment with the TPIS Learning Principles, adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all students including, where appropriate, those with learning differences and challenges;
• Support individual or small groups as per the teacher’s instruction and according to the teacher/LA co-planning to support differentiated learning for all;
• Use ICT skills to advance students’ learning if appropriate
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all students in learning and extracurricular activities;
• Help students adjust, learn and socialize and report to teachers about possible behavioural issues;
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures;
• Support class teachers with maintaining good order and behaviour among students, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment;
• Organise and manage learning space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment;
• Help prepare and present displays of students' work: teachers will make professional decisions in determining what material is displayed;
• Observe student performance and pass observations on to the class teacher; •    Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable; (Experienced and specially-trained teaching assistants can be expected to supervise a class for a teacher who is off sick or undertaking training. While every class must be allocated a qualified teacher, higher level teaching assistants would be expected occasionally to lead a lesson.)

Planning

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of student performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role
• Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons and discuss and prepare with the teacher on a daily basis;
• Prepare the classroom for lessons;
• Contribute to planning to support the inclusion of all students in the learning activities.

Working with colleagues and other relevant professionals

• Communicate effectively with other staff members and students, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher;
• Communicate knowledge and understanding of students to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision;
• With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress or concerns about any students;
• Understand the role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers, e.g. (Learning Support and Counsellors);
• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school; and  
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues.

Health and safety

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils, and help to safeguard pupils’ well-being by following the requirements of the BCIS Safeguarding and Child Protection policy; and
• Look after children who are upset or have had accidents.
• Ensure student safety when escorting and supervising students on field trips and school activities
• Make sure classrooms are safe and tidy before classes start.
• Monitor the safety and well-being of students on the bus when on bus duty

Professional Development

• Participate in the school, department and individual review process (School SelfEvaluation)
• Actively seek opportunities for CPD/ professional learning in order to keep up to date with current best practice in UK and world-wide
• Attend such meetings, workshops and courses provided in school which support the School Improvement Plan
• Participate in the whole school vertical meetings with primary staff
• Provide appropriate CPD/ professional learning for colleagues as needed

General

• Attend to bus duties when assigned by the rota duties due to illness or leave when appropriate
• Participate in the organisation and running of extra curricula activities, and attend and participate in the organisation of school events, productions and sporting events when required
• Take responsibility for Health and Safety matters for the area within which you teach and report any matters that are a hazard thus ensuring that adequate safety precautions are taken with the students
• Follow the Safeguarding and Child Protection and policy at all times
• Ensure that all behaviour issues are dealt with in accordance with the TPIS Behaviour Policy
• Supervise areas of the school as outlined in the Supervision Duty Rota
• Be a role model for students and ensure adherence to the Staff Code of Conduct
• Carry out other related duties as required by the Primary Senior Leaders as appropriate.

ISP Leadership Competencies  

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do. 

1.) Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.  

2.) Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.  

3.) Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.

4.) Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.  

5.) Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.  

6.) Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.  

7.) Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.  

8.) Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages and inspires students, colleagues and teams so that they give their best.  

9.) Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.

10.) Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences and inspires students, parents and colleagues through timely and effective communication.

11.) Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.  

12.) Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.  

13.) Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans, organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.  

14.) Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours, attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work effectively.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles  

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.  

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply. 

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.