Teaching Assistant (1-1 EHCP support)

Teaching Assistant (EHCP Support – 32 Hours Full Time)
Hours: 32 hours per week (term time)
Contract: Fixed Term- Linked to the child in the school.
Grade- PCD5 - Grade 5, SCP6-
Reports to: SENCo / Class Teacher

To provide high-quality, personalised support to a child with additional needs who has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The Teaching Assistant will work closely with the SENCo, class teacher, external professionals, and parents to ensure the child’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met. The role involves adapting learning, implementing interventions, and fostering independence in line with the child’s EHCP targets.

Key Responsibilities
1. Direct Support for the Child
•    Provide daily 1:1 support tailored to the child’s EHCP outcomes and individual needs.
•    Adapt and differentiate classroom activities to enable access to the curriculum.
•    Implement agreed interventions, strategies, and support plans.
•    Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and social development.
•    Support the child’s communication and social needs when working in small groups. 
•    Encourage independence and confidence in both learning and social situations.
2. Working with Staff and Professionals
•    Collaborate with the class teacher to plan appropriate learning tasks.
•    Liaise regularly with the SENCo regarding progress, concerns, or changing needs.
•    Work alongside external specialists (e.g., speech therapists, educational psychologists, occupational therapists) as required.
•    Contribute to review meetings, including annual EHCP reviews.
3. Monitoring and Record Keeping
•    Track and record the child’s progress against EHCP outcomes and intervention targets.
•    Provide regular feedback to staff and parents on progress, achievements, and challenges.
4. Classroom and School Support
•    Support the wider classroom environment as directed by the class teacher.
•    Assist with preparation of learning resources and classroom organisation.
•    Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and safe school environment.
•    Supervise and support during transitions, breaks, lunchtimes, educational visits, and other school activities when required.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
•    Experience supporting children with special educational needs (SEN) in a school setting.
•    Strong understanding of EHCPs and how to implement them effectively.
•    Ability to adapt learning activities to meet individual needs.
•    Experience with behaviour support strategies and de escalation approaches.
•    Excellent communication skills—able to engage positively with pupils, staff, and families.
•    Ability to remain calm, patient, and flexible in challenging situations.
•    Good organisational, observational, and record keeping skills.
•    Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Desirable Skills & Qualifications
•    Level 3 (or above) qualification in Teaching and Learning, SEN, or a related field.
•    Training in specialist approaches such as ASD strategies, Team Teach (or similar), Makaton, sensory processing, or specific intervention programmes.
•    Experience working with multi agency professionals.
Personal Qualities
•    Empathetic, nurturing, and supportive.
•    Positive, proactive, and solution focused.
•    Reliable with excellent attendance and punctuality.
•    Able to build trust and rapport with children and families.
•    Passionate about inclusion and helping children achieve their potential.

The Good Shepherd Trust and Penny Bridge CE Academy are committed to the principles of safer recruitment, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check and excellent professional references. Application packs are available via https://www.pennybridge.cumbria.sch.uk/quick-links/vacancies.html

Visits to school from Monday 1st June  (please contact admin@pennybridge.academy to arrange a visit.  These are essential to understand more about the role.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 11th June. Interview invitations will be issued by the end of the day on Friday 12th June. Interviews: Tuesday 16th June.