Teaching Assistant NCC Level 2 AAC and Communication
32.5 hrs/week, term time only (permanent)
(GLPC-D SCP 6-11 = £20,043-£22,129 pro rata = approx £15,076-£16,645 per annum)
Oak Field School is an Outstanding Special School (Ofsted 2018, 2014, 2011) for 168 pupils aged 3-19 with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities, broadly SLD (severe learning difficulties) and PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties). This also includes some pupils with challenging behaviours linked to SLD, some pupils with ASD, and some pupils with complex health needs. This is a permanent full-time post to start on Friday 02 September 2022.
We are seeking a proactive, enthusiastic, qualified and experienced Teaching Assistant with a strong background/interest in AAC and Communication. The post holder will be responsible principally for the support of one pupil with high level communication needs. They will support this pupil by being a communication partner, modelling and encouraging the use of AAC and other communication aids, as appropriate. They will also support this pupil by creating resources and adaptations, so that the pupil can fully engage with the curriculum using both high and lo-tech communication aids, and will encourage them to become an independent communicator. At some times, the post holder will also be working with other pupils within the class.
More generally, the focus of a TA2 post at our school is to support personalised learning at all levels - this includes teaching, learning, assessment, behaviour management, and care; the successful candidate will be expected to be proactive in seeking and developing their own CPD. The school provides training in areas such as Communication, Makaton, PSHE/RSE, Behaviour and Physical Intervention (we use NCC Approach), Moving and Handling, and Personal and Intimate Care (see appendix) to maximise access to learning. We also ensure access to multi-disciplinary training in physical management, and health tasks such as gastrostomy feeds, as appropriate. All our staff are actively encouraged to participate actively in the wider life and enrichment activities of the class and the school.
If in doubt re your qualifications for this post, please contact Laura Wyatt (Deputy Head) before you apply, as below – applications will only be considered at this level if you meet the NCC qualification criteria, as listed at the bottom of the NCC TA2 job description.
Working hours for this post are Mon-Fri 8.50am-3.50pm, with 30 minutes lunchbreak,
Since Oak Field is a unique specialised educational setting within the city of Nottingham, we strongly advise that before you apply for this post you have a detailed look at our website (oakfieldschool.org.uk), especially the 4-minute video and the Learning At Home tab, then have an informal telephone conversation with Laura Wyatt to discuss this post further. This opportunity is available between 9.30am and 4.30pm, and we would strongly encourage you to do this, because it will support your application.
Applications close on: Wednesday 6th July 2022 at 9am.
Provisional interview date: Wednesday 13th or Thursday 14th July 2022
A commitment to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is essential, and the successful applicant will be required to have an enhanced DBS check carried out prior to commencing employment.
