The Learning Alliance Teaching Assistant 30 Hrs Per Week, 39

The Learning Alliance Box Lane, CONGLETON, Cheshire. CW12 4NS The Learning Alliance (TLA) is a multi-academy trust of eight schools serving families from Knutsford, Congleton, Crewe and parts of North Staffordshire. It includes Knutsford Academy, Cheshire Studio School, Egerton Primary School, Congleton High School, Sir William Stanier School, The Oaks Academy, Black Firs Primary School and Castle Primary School. Teaching Assistant 30 hrs per week, 39 weeks per year Temporary until July 2021 Grade 4, SCP 4 (FTE £18,426) actual salary £12,834 (Pending Pay Award)

The Learning Alliance is seeking to appoint a Teaching Assistant at The Oaks Academy. Working closely with the teaching staff, and other teaching assistants, supporting with the delivery of learning activities, and work programmes, including the preparation of materials and resources. You will support and encourage students to develop their skills and knowledge, and give general guidance within and outside of the classroom. The role includes taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under a system of supervision, supported by direction from the SENCO, teaching staff and in line with school policies and guidance. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning activities for the individuals/ groups and monitoring students. You will assess; record and report on the students’ achievement, progress and development. A caring, flexible and common sense approach is important as well as being organised and proactive. If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Ms Laura Bailey (SENCO) at [email protected] or 01270 661223.

For a full job description and person specification, information about the role please visit the school website www.theoaksacademy.co.uk

As an equal opportunities employer The Learning Alliance is committed to creating a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from members of minority groups. As part of the Academy Trust’s policy to safeguard children an enhanced DBS will be applied for.

We will only contact candidates that have been short-listed for interview. If you have not been contacted within 10 working days of the closing date you can safely assume that you have not been invited to interview.

To apply for this position, please complete the attached application form together with a supporting letter of no more than two sides of A4.

Closing Date: 5th October 2020

The Learning Alliance, a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered Office: Congleton High School, Box Lane, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4NS Reg. No. 07538467 Registered in England & Wales VAT No: 119 2808 12.

General Information for Applicants from the Headteacher

Thank you for expressing an interest in a vacancy here. On behalf of everyone at The Oaks Academy, I extend you a very warm welcome.

The Oaks Academy is a mixed gender 11 – 16 academy, with around 440 pupils, that opened in January 2016. Schools on this site have served the community of Crewe for many years. It is situated in the south western part of Crewe and shares a pleasant campus with Gainsborough County Primary School. The playground and recreational areas around the school offer a safe and secure environment to all students. We offer a full range of GCSE subjects which students begin studying in Year 10.

We became part of The Learning Alliance on the 1st September 2020 and will continue our journey of school improvement in this partnership. We have made significant strides in our school transformation and seek to appoint staff that understand the culture and climate of the school, our community, and the wider educational environment. Staff have a unique opportunity to work alongside colleagues in four other secondary schools and to gain support when necessary. The school is also part of the Chimney House Teaching Alliance.

As Head Teacher I really do feel blessed to have such a supportive, resilient and engaged staff team where our values “Inspire, believe, achieve” permeate every aspect of Academy life. We heavily invest in professional development to ensure that every member of staff can be the very best that they can be.

We are committed to providing an aspirational, challenging and supportive environment where each student is expected to aim for the highest standard in all aspects of school life and beyond. We work in partnership with students, parents and carers to improve outcomes but we are equally passionate about the personal and social development of students outside of the classroom, and encourage students to take part in a range of extra-curricular programmes and opportunities to develop as life-long learners.

I would encourage you to visit our website (www.theoaksacademy.co.uk) to get a fuller understanding of life here at The Oaks Academy and if you have any questions that you would like to ask please do not hesitate to contact me directly on [email protected]. I very much hope that you want to join our team and I look forward to receiving an application from you in due course.

Mrs. Emma Hooley Headteacher

Job Description Teaching Assistant

Basic Job Purpose To provide day to day support to school staff and students using hardware and software in classrooms and offices throughout the school.

Main Responsibilities

Assist teaching staff in the delivery of learning activities and work programmes and undertake 1. predetermined activities with pupils so that their intellectual and social development (including self-reliance and self-esteem) is fostered.

Provide input into the planning and evaluation of learning activities for individuals and groups of 2. pupils to enable the teaching staff to make informed decisions when developing their plans.

Supervise the activities of individuals or groups of pupils both in and out of the classroom 3. (including educational visits) to ensure their safety and facilitate their physical and emotional development in accordance with the school's behaviour management policy. Monitor individual pupil’s progress, achievements and development, update provision maps and 4. contribute to the preparation of Individual Education Plans, Behaviour Plans, School Focus Plans and Education and Health Care Plans. Liaise with parents and carers in conjunction with the teaching staff to ensure effective 5. communication concerning the pupils' well being. Record pupil information, as specified by the teaching staff/line manager to ensure the schools 6. information systems are maintained.

7. Attend to the personal, social and physical needs of pupils so that their well being is maintained.

8. Prepare and maintain learning equipment and ensure that the classroom is kept clean and tidy.

Display and present the pupils' work, under the direction of teaching staff, so that it enhances 9. the classroom environment and celebrates achievement. Attend staff and other meetings and participate in staff training development work and staff 10. reviews as required

11. Responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students.

Notwithstanding the detail in this job description, in accordance with the Trust’s Flexibility Policy the job holder will undertake such work as may be determined by the Headteacher/Governing Body from time to time, up to or at a level consistent with the Main Responsibilities of the job.

Person Specification Teaching Assistant

Method of Criteria Desirable Essential Assessment

Level 3 qualifications (A level or equivalent) Evidence of continuing learning. Evidence of GCSE English, Maths training in education or grade C or above. (or Application form & Qualifications equivalent Level 2 related role. Teaching Interview Assistant qualifications) qualification. Dyslexia Qualification

Can work with a range of agencies. Supporting Working in a school Application form & Experience students with Dyslexia and/or with children. Interview Supporting Looked-after children

Job Related Literacy and Numeracy Application form & programmes. Social Knowledge skills programmes. Interview

Can relate to pupils, Can prioritise demands. teachers, parents and Willing to take part in other adults Keep calm school life e.g. offer extra under pressure. Polite Skills and -curricular activities. and assertive, firm Interview Aptitudes Knowledge of ICT when necessary. Can software and ability to give clear instructions use the and explanations. Can Internet. work as a team member.

To be adaptable and Other Application form & flexible. Passionate Requirements about learning. Interview

Note: TLA is committed to supporting people with disabilities and will make reasonable adjustments to these requirements where this enables a disabled person to do the job effectively.