Applicant Information Pack Teaching Assistant with particular responsibility for Wrap Around Care
A Foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer Richard Backhouse - Principal Berkhamsted has led the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils – and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity – in all that we do. We are ‘adventurous’, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning. We ‘serve others’ – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community. Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both our pupils and our staff. We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff.
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer Our staff are our biggest asset at Berkhamsted, and so investing in not only their professional development but also their wellbeing, is a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school. We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality respect and opportunity. We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which simply last a lifetime.
History of About Berkhamsted Schools Group Heatherton Heatherton is a close-knit, dynamic and forward thinking school and believes that a child’s education should be inspirational, challenging and nurturing. Heatherton Girls belong to a warm, friendly and happy community where they feel secure and able to become independent learners who are willing to explore the unknown. Highly skilled and passionate teachers inspire our girls through a rich and varied curriculum and an array of extra-curricular activities. There are currently 158 pupils at Heatherton (aged 3-11).
Part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group Heatherton is one of six schools that make up Berkhamsted Schools Group. Berkhamsted School is one of the country’s leading independent schools. It has a structure that provides the best in both co-educational and single-sex education, offering small class sizes and appropriate teaching environments for each age group, from age 3 to 18. The School’s ‘diamond’ structure allows boys and girls to be taught together until the age of 11 (at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and at Berkhamsted Prep), separately from 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form (Berkhamsted Sixth). Heatherton Girls are provided with the opportunity of progressing to the Girls Senior School by sitting the Berkhamsted entrance exam six weeks prior to the external applicants. The School curriculum sits alongside the Berkhamsted Prep and Pre-Prep Schools. As Heatherton is located within easy access to local Grammar Schools, girls are also prepared for sitting the 11 plus.
Job Description Responsible to: 1.The Head Teacher directly 2.The Deputy Head 3.Head of Pre-Prep and Class Teacher through the school’s management structure. Place of Work: Heatherton School Hours: Monday to Friday, 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Term Time only. Main Purpose of the Job To be a member of the adult team working together to create a safe, caring and stimulating environment in which each child can grow, learn and develop, and in which the best interests of the children will be served. To take responsibility for the supervision of our WAC Provision on a daily basis.
Job Description Main Responsibilities: This Teaching Assistant role has particular responsibilities to support [TM1] the class teachers where needed. No specific subject knowledge is required but we do require an attitude and willingness to help and to be involved. Set up and maintain the staffing rota for WAC Registering children on arrival, checking booking lists and liaising with school office regarding any missing children Sign children out on departure, liaising with parents or carers who are collecting Set out suitable age appropriate games, arts and crafts, construction - to comply with the curriculum development (maths, English, social, knowledge of the world and motor skills) Ensure high standards of pupil behaviour and manners are upheld at all times Weather permitting ensure the children go out to play and supervise their activities Provide healthy snacks and supervise tea Hold parent contact details and pupil medical requirements Encourage good hygiene Ensure area is clean, tidy and safe at all times Arrange staff cover through the Headteacher if needed Ordering resources/equipment for activities following approval from the Headteacher Dealing with Parental issues/queries Highlighting/escalating any issues to the Headteacher.
Job Description Qualifications and Skills Needed: A qualification in childcare NQV Level 3 is essential and first aid would be an advantage. Previous experience in childcare/education is essential. They must possess good organisation and communication skills. The person will also need to be, reliable, enthusiastic, adaptable, discreet and tolerant. To be reliable, enthusiastic, adaptable, discreet and tolerant. To have sensitivity towards both children and parents. To have the ability to participate in the children’s activity and discussions in order to promote learning. To have empathy with the children and come down physically to their level when working with them. To enter a child’s play as a partner sharing the process. To know how to intervene sensitively (not interfere) when appropriate, so that the adult does not dominate the child, but equally not left to flounder. To have the ability to assist the class teacher to manage the children’s behaviour. To have the ability to plan, prepare and clear activities, as well as contribute towards the curriculum. To have the ability to be responsible for the maintenance of equipment and report any repairs required to the class teacher. To have the ability to respect the dignity, individuality, beliefs and culture of each child.
Job Description Additional duties It is the nature of the work at the School that tasks and responsibilities are, in many circumstances, varied. All staff are, therefore, expected to work in a flexible way when occasion arises, when tasks which are not specifically covered in their job descriptions have to be undertaken. These additional duties will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances or changes and they will normally be compatible with the regular type of work. If an additional responsibility or task becomes a regular or frequent part of the member of staff’s job, it will be included in the job description in consultation with the member of staff. Confidentiality It is expected that all School employees will understand that our work is confidential and that personal details about children and families should not be discussed outside school. Note The job description may be reviewed at the end of an academic year or earlier if necessary. In addition it may be amended at any time after consultation with you. No job description can be fully comprehensive and will need to be reviewed and modified from time to time. The duties and responsibilities of the Teaching Assistant involve a commitment to work outside school hours as may be directed by the Head Teacher. It is expected that the Teaching Assistant will wish to enhance and develop the role in accordance with her own particular strengths and ideas and in the continuing development and success of the school.
Benefits
Benefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme. The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing. Free classes and advisory services. memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
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Benefits
Safeguarding and Protection Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630.
Application and Next Steps The closing date for applications is: 19 June 2022 It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS). This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications. Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn).
Application and Next Steps Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview. If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com Thank you for your interest in this role.