Teaching Assistant - St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School

St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic school is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex race religion belief sexual orientation gender reassignment pregnancy maternity age disability marriage or civil partnership

Main purpose
The TA will:

Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils
Promote pupils independence self-esteem and social inclusion
Give support to pupils individually or in groups so they can access the curriculum take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement

Duties and responsibilities
Teaching and learning

Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including where appropriate those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Promote support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities
Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning
Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the schools policy and procedures
Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment
Observe pupil performance and pass observations on to the class teacher
Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable
Use ICT skills to advance pupils learning
Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher

Planning

Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role
Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons if available
Prepare the classroom for lessons
Use their area(s) of expertise to contribute to the planning and preparation of learning
activities and to plan their role in learning activities
Use allocated time to devise clearly structured activities that interest and motivate learners and advance their learning
Plan how they will support the inclusion of pupils in the learning activities

Working with staff parents/carers and relevant professionals

Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher
Communicate their knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and education health and social care professionals so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision
Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress attainment and barriers to learning as directed by teachers
With the class teacher keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress or concerns they may have about the pupils they work with
Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues including specialist advisory teachers
Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school
Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Health and safety
Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils and help to safeguard pupils wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our schools child protection policy
Look after children who are upset or have had accidents

Professional development
Help keep their own knowledge and understanding relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on their own practice liaising with school leaders and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness
Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills qualifications and/or experience needed for the role with support from the school
Take part in the schools appraisal procedures

Other areas of responsibility
Safeguarding

Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies
Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school
The TA will be required to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.
Please note this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the TA will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role as directed by the
headteacher or line manager.

Person specification

Qualifications and training

GCSE or equivalent level including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and maths
First-aid training or willingness to complete it

Experience

Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting
Experience working with children / young people
Experience planning and delivering learning activities

Skills and knowledge

Good literacy and numeracy skills
Good organisational skills
Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults
Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils
Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs
Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils
Excellent verbal communication skills
Active listening skills
The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children
Good ICT skills particularly using ICT to support learning
Understanding of roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context

Personal qualities

Enjoyment of working with children
Sensitivity and understanding to help build good relationships with pupils
A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
Commitment to safeguarding pupils wellbeing and equality
Resilient positive forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference
Capacity to inspire motivate and challenge children and young people

This job description may be amended at any time in consultation with the postholder.

The school is committed to safeguarding pupils any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references an enhanced DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Interviews: Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th July 2025