Teaching Assistant to support Pupils with Autism

Hours: 27.5 per week : 39 weeks per year

Upton Primary School is an oversubscribed, modern, well-resourced school, teaching a creative curriculum through the Mantle of the Expert approach and offering exceptional pastoral support. We are a two-form entry school with a speech and language unit and an ASD unit, known as The PAD. We have been judged to be a good school by Ofsted (June 2013), and our behaviour and safety was deemed outstanding.

Our school is close to Bexleyheath and Bexley railway stations and a short walk from Bexleyheath Broadway.

A unique opportunity

In September 2014, The PAD opened its doors and 4 pupils have already joined us. We are expecting to be full in the near future, so we are looking to employ an outstanding TA who can support ASD pupils both in the mainstream and The PAD. You will be joining a great team led by the specialist class teacher. Experience of working with pupils with ASD is essential as is experience of working as a teaching assistant in a primary school.

A commitment to improving the lives of pupils with autism must be demonstrated through relevant training or at interview. Pupils in the ASD unit will be of at least average cognitive ability, so good Literacy and numeracy skills are also necessary.

We are looking for a teaching assistant who:

• has knowledge and experience of supporting pupils on the autism spectrum
• can use children's strengths and interests to inspire and motivate
• embraces the challenge of catering for children with social disabilities, including their right to environmental accommodations and need for specific teaching strategies
• understands all behaviour as communication with a function and is able to de-escalate situations and provide learners with strategies to regulate their emotions
• is a calm, flexible and motivated person, able to work constructively as part of a team
• is willing to engage in professional development opportunities.

Closing date: 5th November 2014 at Noon.
Interviews: Week beginning 10.11.14

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. References will only be sought for these candidates prior to interview. The selection process will include a task/observation and an interview..

We welcome informal visits from prospective applicants for a tour of the school. Please contact Noel Toledano, Inclusion Co-ordinator on 02083037266 Option 2 or inco@upton.bexley.sch.uk to arrange this.

Also visit www.upton.bexley.sch.uk for further information about the school.

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Download application Form' and send to inco@upton.bexley.sch.uk for the attention of Mrs Toledano.

The schools in Bexley are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure and other employment checks. A six-month probationary period applies to all appointments to the Council

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