Teaching Assistants - Level 2 or 3

The Bridge Academy is looking for committed and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our team and play an important role in supporting pupils to engage positively with their learning and achieve their potential.

We have two opportunities available:

1. Teaching Assistant – Whole-School Reading: supporting pupils across the school to develop their reading skills. Experience of supporting reading and/or phonics is strongly desirable.
2. Teaching Assistant – Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2: providing classroom and targeted support to pupils within either Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2.

These are exciting opportunities for people who are passionate about working with children and understand the difference that positive relationships, consistent support and high expectations can make to a pupil’s experience of school.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and colleagues to provide effective support to pupils in the classroom and through targeted interventions. You will help pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop their confidence and independence, and make positive progress.

Key Responsibilities

1. Supporting pupils individually and in small groups to access learning and develop their skills.
2. Working closely with teachers to support the delivery of effective and inclusive learning.
3. Building positive relationships with pupils and providing encouragement, guidance and consistent support.
4. Supporting pupils to develop their confidence, independence and engagement with learning.
5. Providing targeted support and interventions to meet individual pupil needs.
6. For the Whole-School Reading role, supporting pupils to develop their reading, phonics, fluency and comprehension skills.
7. For the Key Stage 1/2 role, providing classroom support and helping pupils to engage positively with their learning across the curriculum.
8. Helping to maintain a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
9. Supporting pupils with their behaviour and encouraging positive attitudes towards learning.
10. Monitoring pupil progress and providing feedback to teachers to help inform future support.
11. Working collaboratively with teachers, colleagues and parents/carers where appropriate.
12. Maintaining accurate records and contributing to relevant meetings, reviews and assessments.

What you'll need to succeed

1. A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or an equivalent relevant qualification.
2. A genuine passion for supporting children and helping them achieve their potential.
3. For the Whole-School Reading role, experience of supporting reading and/or phonics is strongly desirable.
4. Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and provide consistent encouragement and support.
5. Patient, approachable and able to remain calm and positive when supporting pupils with different needs.
6. High expectations of pupils and a commitment to promoting positive behaviour, engagement and achievement.
7. Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
8. A proactive and flexible approach, with the ability to adapt support to meet individual pupil needs.

What you'll get in return

1. A supportive and collaborative working environment
2. Opportunities for professional development and career progression
3. Access to high-quality CPD and mentoring
4. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and employee benefits package
5. A competitive pension scheme through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
6. Professional development and wellbeing days, supporting your continued learning and wellbeing

How to apply

To apply please complete an application form online. Please include a supporting statement outlining ‘what skills and experience you have that make you suitable for the role’.

To arrange an informal chat about the role, please contact Elliot Payne, Headteacher, via elliot.payne@bridge.staffs.sch.uk or call 01543 255872. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.

We reserve the right to close this advert early should sufficient applications be received or the role be successfully filled.