Teaching Assistant

Notre Dame School, Plymouth

Job Purpose

To support teachers in providing high-quality learning experiences for students, helping them to achieve their academic, social and personal potential. The Teaching Assistant will work closely with teaching staff and other members of the school team to support students both within the classroom and, where appropriate, through targeted individual or small-group interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers in delivering engaging and inclusive lessons across the curriculum.
• Work with individual students and small groups to reinforce learning and develop key skills.
• Provide additional support to students who may have special educational needs, disabilities or other learning needs.
• Help students develop confidence, independence and positive attitudes towards learning.
• Assist with classroom organisation, preparation of resources and learning materials.
• Support students with their literacy, numeracy and wider learning skills.
• Encourage positive behaviour and contribute to maintaining a calm, safe and productive learning environment.
• Follow individual learning plans, strategies and guidance provided by teaching and support staff.
• Monitor students’ progress and provide relevant feedback to teachers.
• Support students during lessons, break times, lunchtimes, trips and other school activities where required.
• Promote equality, inclusion, respect and positive relationships throughout the school community.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding students, families and school matters.
• Follow school policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, behaviour and confidentiality requirements.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, SEND staff, parents/carers and other professionals where appropriate.
• Undertake relevant training and participate in professional development as required.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A genuine interest in supporting children and young people.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, empathy and a positive approach to supporting students.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to build positive and professional relationships with students.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act professionally at all times.

Desirable:

• Previous experience working with children or young people in an educational setting.
• Experience supporting students with SEND or additional learning needs.
• Understanding of strategies that promote positive behaviour and engagement.
• Relevant qualifications or training in education, childcare, learning support or a related area.

Safeguarding

Notre Dame School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and comply with the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Working Relationships

The Teaching Assistant will work closely with:

• Classroom and subject teachers
• SEND and pastoral teams
• Senior leaders
• Students and their families
• External professionals and support services, where appropriate

Overall Expectations

The successful candidate will contribute positively to the ethos and values of Notre Dame School, helping to create an inclusive, supportive and ambitious environment in which every student is encouraged to succeed.

How to Apply: Please send your resume/CV to roxanne.mcgill@supplyregister.uk or apply via this vacancy. 

The Supply Register is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

The Supply Register is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, including a Children’s barred list check. 

Application Deadline: Ongoing recruitment.