What is the job role?

Come and join our dedicated team at Castle Wood, a vibrant, innovative broad spectrum special needs school for children aged 3 to 11. We are looking for Higher Level Teaching Assistants who are dynamic and enthusiastic to work in our inspirational special needs school.  Our vision is ‘Together children first…’ and we need experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistants with the professional behaviours of initiative, commitment, dedication, a sense of fun and the ability to work as part of a team.  You are likely to be working with children who have complex autism, may be non-verbal and have challenging behaviours.  You may be working with children on a 1;1 or group basis.  You will be expected to lead a class in the absence of the class teacher, this is likely to be when the teacher is on PPA or leadership time.  You need to be flexible and willing to work across a number of class teams throughout the school.  Knowledge and experience of Early Years practice and principles would be preferred as this underpins all teaching and learning in our school.

Work Pattern

You will be employed on 35 hours a week, the working hours will be Monday - Wednesday 8.30am – 4.00pm, Thursday 8.30am – 4.30pm, Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm with a 30 minutes unpaid lunch break each day.

38 weeks term time plus 5 training das, 39 weeks in total

This position is for a January start.

Key Requirements:

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

This School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A tour of the school is welcomed and strongly encouraged.  To arrange a tour of our school please email cwhr@castlewood.coventry.sch.uk

In your application form please detail the skills, knowledge and expertise which are required to become a successful Higher Level Teaching Assistant and why you wish to work in a Special school in particular. Previous applicants need not reapply for the position.

Unfortunately, due to the extremely high number of applications expected, we are unable to respond to each individual.  If you have not heard by the end of December 2024 then your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a person with:

•              GCSE Maths and English grade 4 / C and above or equivalent

•              Strong communication skills

•              The ability to use relevant technology/equipment

•              The ability to work as part of a team as well as the ability to lead

•              A commitment to the happiness, well-being, self-esteem and progress of everyone at the school

•              Personal skills and qualities required to form positive relationships with children, parents and carers

•              High aspirations for their pupils and themselves

•              A good knowledge of the EYFS would be an advantage but a willingness to learn and embrace its practice and principles is essential

•              Previous experience of working in a special school would be advantageous but not essential

We will offer:

•              Fabulous, warm and enthusiastic children

•              A happy school with a welcoming and supportive team

•              Personalised continuing professional learning

•              Staff workwear

•              Free tea and coffee, free on site car parking

•              Excellent wellbeing offering including occupational health,

counselling service, salary sacrifice scheme including child care vouchers and cycle to work scheme

•              Local government pension scheme arrangements

•              Opportunities to work with experts from a range of disciplines

•              Supportive governors and parents

Please apply using the online application form ensuring you outline your skills, abilities, and experience in line with the key areas on the advert and Job Description and Person Specification

Closing date:  Wednesday 27^th November 2024

Interview date:  Monday 2^nd December 2024

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

Coventry City Council