Somerset - Teaching Assistants

The role of an Ad Hoc Teaching Assistant is to provide flexible, high-quality support to pupils across a range of educational settings, helping them to access learning, develop their confidence and achieve their individual potential.

The successful candidate will work as part of the school team, supporting teachers and pupils in a professional, positive and inclusive manner. Assignments may vary depending on the individual needs of each school and pupil.

Key Responsibilities

Provide classroom support to teachers and pupils across different educational settings. Support individual pupils and small groups with their learning and development. Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum and completing learning activities. Provide additional support to pupils who may have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). Encourage pupils to participate fully in lessons and school activities. Promote positive behaviour and support pupils to develop appropriate social and emotional skills. Build positive, professional relationships with pupils while maintaining appropriate boundaries. Adapt your approach according to the individual needs of pupils and the requirements of each school. Support pupils during lessons, break times, lunchtimes and other school activities as required. Assist teachers with the preparation of classroom resources and learning activities. Provide feedback to teaching staff regarding pupils' engagement, progress and behaviour. Follow individual support plans, behaviour strategies and guidance provided by the school. Contribute to a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Work effectively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff and other professionals. Follow all school policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, health and safety and behaviour policies. Be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of the school and pupils.

Skills and Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

A genuine interest in supporting children and young people. Patience, empathy and a calm and positive approach. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to build positive relationships quickly. Confidence working with children and young people of different ages and abilities. Flexibility and adaptability when working across different school environments. The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations. Good teamwork and the ability to take direction from teaching and senior staff. Reliability, punctuality and a professional attitude. A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Experience and Qualifications

Previous experience working with children or young people in a school, nursery, care, youth work or similar setting is desirable.

Experience supporting pupils with SEND, behavioural needs or additional learning needs would be advantageous.

A relevant Teaching Assistant qualification, such as Level 2 or Level 3, is desirable but not essential where the candidate has relevant experience and demonstrates the appropriate skills and attributes.

Training and support may be provided to develop the knowledge and skills required for individual assignments.

Flexibility

As an Ad Hoc Teaching Assistant, flexibility is an important part of the role. Assignments may vary in duration, setting, year group and pupil needs.

The successful candidate should be comfortable adapting quickly to new environments, following the expectations of individual schools and working with different teaching teams and pupils.

Safeguarding

Connect Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain high professional standards, follow safeguarding procedures and contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for every pupil.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for enthusiastic and dependable Teaching Assistants who are passionate about education and enjoy making a positive difference to children's lives.

Whether you are an experienced Teaching Assistant, looking to gain further experience in education, or have transferable experience working with children and young people, this flexible role provides the opportunity to work within a variety of school environments across Plymouth.

How to Apply: Please send your resume/CV to (url removed) 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