St Richard's Catholic Primary School are looking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant to join our wonderful school and our friendly, supportive staff team. We are a caring and happy Catholic school community in Chichester where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. Our mission – To Know, To Love, To Serve – is at the heart of school life.
We currently have 6 pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), alongside other children with a range of additional needs. Working closely with our SENCO, teachers and wider support team, the successful candidate will provide high-quality support for pupils with EHCPs and other barriers to learning. This may include individual, small-group and classroom support, helping pupils to access learning, develop communication and social skills, regulate emotions and behaviour, and become increasingly confident and independent.
We are looking for someone with:
• Experience of working with primary-age children, preferably including children with SEND.
• A patient, calm, adaptable and positive approach to supporting children with barriers to learning.
• The ability to build warm, positive and professional relationships with children.
• An understanding that behaviour can be a form of communication and the ability to respond positively.
• The ability to support learning while encouraging children to become increasingly independent.
• Good communication and teamwork skills and a willingness to work closely with teachers, teaching assistants, our SENCO and other professionals.
• A good standard of literacy and numeracy and a willingness to undertake relevant SEND training.
Experience of autism, ADHD, communication and interaction needs, social and emotional needs, sensory needs or learning difficulties would be particularly welcome.
We can offer:
• The chance to be part of a caring Christian environment.
• Delightful children and families.
• An incredibly supportive teaching/non-teaching and governor team to work within.
• Continuing professional development and opportunities to develop SEND knowledge and skills.
St Richard’s is a Catholic school, but applicants do not need to be Catholic. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all faiths and none who are able to support and respect the Catholic ethos and values of our school.
St Richard’s Catholic Primary 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, satisfactory references and a pre-employment health check. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches. You will also be required to provide evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.