Teacher Assistant Role Profile
Purpose of Role
- To assist in promoting the learning and personal development of the pupils to whom you are assigned.
- To enable the pupils to make the best use of the educational opportunities available to them.
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 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.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
Teacher Assistant Key Responsibilities
- Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils
- Promote pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion
- Give support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement
- Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities
- Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning
- Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures
- Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
- Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment
- Observe pupil performance and pass observations on to the class teacher
- Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable
- Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning
- Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher
- Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role
- Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available
- Prepare the classroom for lessons
- Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher
- Communicate their knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision
- Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers
- With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with
- Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers
- Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
- Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- High School or GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and Maths
- First-aid training, or willingness to complete it
- Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting
- Experience working with children / young people
- Experience planning and delivering learning activities
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults
- Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils
- Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs
- Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Active listening skills
- The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children
- Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning
- Understanding of roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context
- Enjoyment of working with children
- Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils
- A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils, and promoting the ethos and values of the school
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
- Commitment to safeguarding pupil’s wellbeing and equality
- Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference
- Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people
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 and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.