Job Description

Job Introduction

Old Park is a community special school for children and young people aged 4-19 with a wide range of learning, sensory and health needs. Our children have a wide range of needs from Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, Severe Learning Difficulties and Autism. Our pupils need support with their Communication and Interaction and sometimes may need support with co-regulation. All pupils that attend Old Park School have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP).


Our most recent OFSTED report of May 2024 stated there had been no change to the school's overall judgement of Outstanding as a result of this ungraded (Section 8) inspection.


Pupil's standards of attainment are well below age related expectations and the range of assessed attainment is mostly within the pre-subject specific/pre key stage standards criteria. Comparison of academic data demonstrates that pupils make good and outstanding rates of progress throughout the school.


The school is arranged into four phases as it strives to make each area age appropriate so that pupils enjoy a different experience as they progress through. Within each key stage phase, classes are grouped primarily by pupil need to ensure class teachers can effectively deliver the provision outlined in individual pupil plans. The school also has a complex care team led by the School Nurse who support classes in ensuring health and medical needs are met.


We have a dedicated, enthusiastic and highly trained staff of Teachers, Teaching assistants, Special Needs Support Workers, Swimming Teacher/Instructor, Family Support Lead, Administrators and other support staff who make up our large team. We look forward to welcoming you to our school where we all take pride in the support we give our pupils.


Candidates are strongly encouraged to visit our website https://www.oldpark.org/ for more information.

Safeguarding

Old Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role will involve engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and Adults and is subject to medical clearance, and an enhanced Child and Adult DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance we will complete online searches on candidates as part of due diligence checks before interview


It is a criminal offence to apply for and undertake a position for which you are barred from doing so and any such instance will be reported to the police and the Disclosure and Barring Service.


A copy of our school Safeguarding policy can be found at https://www.oldpark.org/Page/Detail/school-policies-1

The Role:

The Governors and Senior Leaders of Old Park School are looking to recruit a number of suitably qualified Level 3 Teaching Assistants to join our highly successful school team.


The successful candidate must have the following qualifications:

An NVQ Level 3 equivalent or above in childcare/child development or education. Literacy A-C or equivalent qualification in functional skills.

Hours: 32.5 hours per week Term Time only 39 weeks per year


Salary: Grade 5 20899 - 22678 including SEN point (Actual)


Location: Old Park School, Thorns Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2JY


We are looking for someone who:

Is a highly effective team player (ideally with experience of working with SEN children and young people) Enjoys supporting children and young people and strives for excellence and enjoyment Actively supports teaching staff to raise standards Believes that every child should be given the opportunity to reach their true potential Is committed to the safety and well being of all pupils Has excellent interpersonal, organisation, communication and time management skills Will adhere to and support whole school policies and practices See the positive in every opportunity presented Will commit to Safeguarding pupils and following Keeping Children Safe in Education

Does this sound like you? If so, we would love to hear from you.


About the Recruitment Process


Closing date: day 4th June 2025 at midnight.


Interviews will be held on Monday 16th June 2025 (TBC)


References will be sought for the short-listed candidates as part of the recruitment process prior to interview.


Candidates should ensure that they complete the application fully, including providing a personal statement that is tailored to this role. CVs will not be accepted. Full education and employment history should be given, with an explanation provided for any gaps.


For further information please contact Mrs Amy Croft Assistant Headteacher on 01384 818905 or via email office1@old-park.dudley.sch.uk


We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.


Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.


Effective from September 2022, KCSIE states as part of the shortlisting process schools and colleges should consider carrying out on-line searches, as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This is to determine suitability to work with children and keep them safe. All shortlisted candidates are now subject to an on-line check and if there is anything concerning, then the shortlisted candidate will be asked to comment on it either prior to or at interview.


N.B., We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised date should we receive a large number of applications.


Online application forms will only be accepted for this vacancy, online facilities for jobs are available at public libraries within the Dudley Borough.


If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk


If you are experiencing a problem whilst applying for a position, please follow the link below to the WM Jobs Help Page in the first instance; https://help.wmjobs.co.uk/


If the WM Jobs Help Page does not resolve your issue, then please contact the HR Resourcing Team via HR.Resourcing@dudley.gov.uk


Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.


The Council's full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/

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