Teaching Assistant

Are you a caring, enthusiastic and skilled Teaching Assistant who is passionate about helping every child to thrive?

Victoria Road Primary School are looking for two dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and supportive team. This is a varied and rewarding role supporting children across Key Stages 1 and 2, with a particular focus on pupils with SEND and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Part of your week will also involve working within our small-group nurture provision.

At Victoria Road, we believe every child should feel that they belong, should enjoy their learning, be encouraged to aim high, and learn to respect others. We provide a nurturing environment where children feel valued, safe and confident to achieve, and our staff play a vital part in making that happen.

About the role

Working alongside teachers, the SENCo and wider school team, you will help create an inclusive and engaging learning environment where all pupils can succeed.

Your role will include:

• supporting learning within classes across KS1 and KS2
• providing 1:1 and small-group support for children with SEND
• delivering targeted interventions, including supporting Read Write Inc. groups where required
• supporting pupils with SEMH needs through a relational, nurturing approach
• helping children to develop independence, confidence, emotional literacy and resilience
• supporting the school's nurture provision, including targeted interventions and evidence-based approaches such as precision teaching and Lego Therapy
• monitoring children's progress and providing effective feedback under the guidance of the teacher
• promoting positive behaviour, inclusion and strong relationships
• working collaboratively with teachers, the SENCo, senior leaders, families and external professionals
• supporting pupils during lunchtime and taking an active role in play
• undertaking first aid responsibilities as part of the role.

About you

We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to make a difference to children's lives. You will be positive, patient and adaptable, with the emotional intelligence to understand and respond to individual children's needs.

You will have:

• an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent relevant qualification
• a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English and Maths
• recent experience of working within a primary school and across KS1 and/or KS2
• experience and a genuine passion for supporting children with SEND
• experience of working with children with SEMH needs
• the ability to build positive relationships and encourage appropriate behaviour
• a good understanding of safeguarding and children's pastoral needs
• strong communication and teamwork skills
• a positive, enthusiastic approach and the ability to use your initiative.

Experience of running interventions, using TEACCH or PECS approaches, and an awareness of trauma-informed strategies would be advantageous.

About the Trust
The Learning Academies Trust is a family of 18 schools across Plymouth and surrounding areas, dedicated to delivering outstanding education to all our children, whatever their starting point or background. Our Trust’s mission is:

Together we will… work with our children, families, and communities to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all our children

As part of the trust, we will support you to learn and develop, providing outstanding CPD and opportunities for collaboration between schools within the trust sharing resources, expertise and knowledge.

Further information about the position, the trust and the benefits we offer can be found in the attached recruitment pack.

To request a tour of the school or to discuss the role in anyway please contact the school on the number below.

[phone removed]

If you believe you can demonstrate the dedication, skills and passion required, we look forward to receiving your application. If there are no vacancies currently, but you would like to register your interest for future vacancies, please join our talent pool and we will be in touch as soon as we have a suitable position.

Please note, the closing date is for guidance only. Successful applicants will be invited to interview at the earliest available opportunity. Learning Academies Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

With 18 individual primary schools, the Learning Academies Trust is the largest primary school trust in Plymouth and the first education employer in Plymouth to achieve the Livewell Southwest Wellbeing at Work Bronze Award. The Trust is committed to supporting the wellbeing of all staff and is proud to work closely with official bodies to ensure we have a holistic approach to staff wellbeing.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought for all shortlisted candidates and all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a questionnaire about any convictions or adult cautions that are unspent. Guidance will be given to those shortlisted. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS.

Together we will provide exceptional learning opportunities for all our children. Apply today and help make a difference.