SEND Teaching Assistant & Midday Meals Supervisor

Job Description - Teaching Assistant

Main Purpose

The role involves contributing to the Christian ethos, vision, and values of Nyewood CE Infant School while providing high-quality support for pupils’ learning, welfare, and inclusion. The post holder will play an active part in promoting safeguarding and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all pupils. Working closely with class teachers, they will support the assessment of pupil progress and help deliver engaging, inclusive learning activities. In addition, the role includes supervising pupils during midday meals, encouraging positive behaviour and fostering social interaction in line with the school’s values.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Christian ethos and actively model the school’s values.
• Promote safeguarding, welfare, and inclusion of all pupils at all times.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with pupils, encouraging self-worth and self-esteem.
• Assist the class teacher in assessing pupil progress and providing feedback.
• Monitor behaviour using positive strategies, in line with the school’s behaviour policy.
• Undertake midday meals supervision (casual or permanent), ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all pupils.
• Deal with minor injuries and act as a first aid supervisor as required.
• Prepare, manage, and maintain classroom resources and displays.
• Encourage healthy lifestyles and support the development of language and communication skills.
• Implement structured interventions alongside the class teacher and Inclusion Manager.
• Liaise with the Senior Leadership Team and external agencies as needed.
• Accompany school activities and take responsibility for individuals or small groups on trips.
• Supervise pupils outside lesson times, including break and lunchtimes.
• Foster links between families and the wider community.
• Attend meetings, professional development, and INSET days as required.
• Participate in performance appraisal and regular safeguarding training.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Follow all school policies (including Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Codes of Conduct) and report concerns promptly.
• Undertake any other duties as directed by the Headteacher or Senior Leadership Team.

The duties are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the postholder may be required by the Headteacher to carry out appropriate duties within the context of the job, skills and grade.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Commitment to supporting and promoting the Christian ethos, vision, and values of the school
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and promoting pupil wellbeing
• Experience of supporting children’s learning in an educational or similar setting
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, promoting self-esteem and confidence
• Understanding of inclusive practice and supporting pupils with a range of needs
• Ability to support teaching and learning activities under the direction of a class teacher
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, pupils, and families
• Ability to promote positive behaviour in line with school policies
• Willingness to undertake midday supervision duties and support pupils during less structured times
• Ability to manage classroom resources and contribute to a safe and engaging learning environment
• Basic first aid awareness or willingness to undertake training
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow direction from senior staff
• Commitment to professional development, training, and appraisal processes
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism at all times

Desirable Criteria:

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant in a primary or infant school
• Relevant qualification (e.g. Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent)
• First Aid qualification
• Experience delivering small group interventions or targeted support programmes
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND or additional needs
• Knowledge of Early Years and/or Key Stage 1 curriculum
• Experience liaising with external agencies or supporting family engagement
• Understanding of strategies to support language and communication development

Nyewood CE Infant School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and there is an expectation of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to a successful enhanced criminal records check via the DBS, references and a health check. You will also be required to provide evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.