Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)

We are looking to appoint an outstanding Teaching Assistant / Pre-School Practitioner from September 2023

We have an exciting opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our wonderful school. You will be passionate, enthusiastic and love working with children, the outdoors and have loads of energy to work in a busy school with a friendly, supportive and committed team. The successful candidate will be predominantly based in our Reception Class as a TA, but will also be expected to spend some time in our Pre-School setting.

Moyles Court is a co-educational day and boarding school from 3 to 16 years. It is a thriving, friendly and happy school with a strong belief in traditional family values. Class sizes are small, and the school prides itself on the individual attention it is able to give to all of its pupils. As part of a dynamic and popular team, you will be expected to enthuse, engage and inspire our pupils within our beautiful New Forest setting.

Purpose of the job

Teaching assistants are integral members of our Staff team and play a full part in the life of the School.

The primary duties of a TA are to support the learning of children in the classroom. TAs also play a key role in the welfare of the children and will be required to work closely with a particular class. Establishing a detailed knowledge of each child as a unique individual and an effective working partnership with the class teacher is the key to success.

Duties and Responsibilities

TAs have a varied day, including break and lunch duties (on a rota basis). They will also be asked to:

● Work with a group of children under supervision and guidance of the teacher

● Work with individual children as required

● Supervise a class of children for a limited period of time

● Assist with assessments conducted by the teacher

● Carry out observations of children’s progress

● Record evidence of children’s progress using Tapestry (EYFS ONLY)

● Accompany children for lessons beyond the classroom (e.g. Outdoor Learning, PE or swimming)

● Help prepare sets and costumes and assist with rehearsals for school productions

● Tidy and replenish resources in classrooms

● Prepare worksheets and other resources (laminating, photocopying etc.)

● Monitor, order and tidy stationery (incl. photocopying paper)

● Upkeep / maintenance of displays of the children’s work

● Prepare / put up display material that supports the children’s learning in the classroom

● Keep notice boards around the school tidy, attractive and up to date

● Interact positively and professionally with parents, carers and guardians

● Proactively supervise children at all times, including when on lunch/break duty

● Any other task or activity as reasonably requested by the school management

● Conforming to the School’s Code of Conduct

● Adherence to the School’s safeguarding procedures

This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post. Many of these tasks will be shared between teaching assistants, and good collaboration will be expected. TA’s are managed by the Class Teacher and the Head of the Junior School.

Candidate specification

There are certain criteria that we would expect a candidate to possess:

• Either a Level 3 Approved Teaching Assistant Qualification, a Level 3 Approved Child Care Qualification or a higher qualification such as a PGCE or other teaching qualification. The school would also consider helping a candidate train for an appropriate Level 3 qualification if necessary.

The following list outlines the further qualities, skills and experiences that the selection panel will be keen to explore with candidates. It is understood by the panel and, we hope, by prospective candidates, that no single person will fulfil every criterion. We encourage candidates who do not “tick every box”, therefore, to apply nonetheless and to be open during the selection process about those areas in which they would wish to develop their skills and experience further.

• 5 GCSEs (A*-C) including English & Maths
• Polite, friendly and outgoing with a good sense of humour
• Experience of working with primary aged children
• Recent paediatric first aid training or experience
• Ability to support children with Music, Drama, Forest School, Dance and/or physical activities
• A confident person with common sense and initiative
• Flexible and adaptive work ethic
• Ability to plan and lead relevant learning activities with young children
• Trustworthy and proactive i.e. able to work under minimal supervision with maximum levels of confidentiality
• Empathy and patience with young children and parents and guardians
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills
• Self-motivation and drive
• The ability to work in a team
• Ability to communicate well with children and in particular be prepared to demonstrate:

o Motivation to work with children and young people

o Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people

o Professional attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline

o Understanding of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people Hours of Work This post is for 38 weeks of the year (term time only) and the hours of work are Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5.30pm. This is a maternity cover contract and likely to be for approx. 10 months.

Benefits

• In term time, staff are provided with lunch in the school dining room and tea and coffee at break times
• Small class sizes
• Idyllic New Forest location

How to apply

Please contact Mrs. Sally Spark for an application form. Application forms should be completed and addressed to the Headmaster, Mr. Richard Milner-Smith, and should be sent to Mrs. Sally Spark, Moyles Court School, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 3NF or via email.

Applications will be considered on receipt and to be received no later than 30th April 2023.

Moyles Court School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In accordance with our Child Protection Policy we are unable to process applications without a fully completed application form. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’ must be declared when applying. The applicant may post such a declaration in an envelope marked ‘Private & confidential for the Headmaster’ which will only be opened should the candidate be shortlisted. The successful applicant must obtain List 99 clearance and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance at enhanced level.

Equal Opportunities

The School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Hampshire, BH24 3NF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/04/2023
Reference ID: Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover)
Expected start date: 04/09/2023