Job Description

About Us

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Haywards Heath

SEN Teaching Assistant required for September 2025

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School are looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant to work predominantly with one child but will also have other Teaching Assistant duties. This will be either a full time or part time, permanent position at a salary of 24,790 pro rata. Please contact the School Business Manger to receive an application pack.



Closing date: 9th July 2025



Short listing: 10th July 2025


Interview date: 14th July 2025



St Joseph's has a diverse community of staff and students, from a wide range of backgrounds.



St Joseph's Catholic Primary is part of the BOSCO Catholic Education Trust. The BOSCO CET is currently a group of thirteen schools working together for the benefit of each school and the wider Catholic community in Sussex.

As a larger primary school (two-form entry) St Joseph's can offer you:

A chance to be part of a welcoming and inclusive Catholic community Working alongside a very supportive and collaborative team A strong leadership team who promote a positive work life balance for all staff The time, support and training for you to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of all students The opportunity to work in a school with fabulous grounds, Forest schools, school gardens, playing field, woodland Highly motivated and enthusiastic learners The opportunity to teach from a well thought out and inspiring curriculum An abundance of opportunities for career development

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following attributes

Be able to support the Catholic ethos of our school Be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner. That requires continuous engagement in learning and a genuine belief in a neuro-affirmative approach Effective experience working with young people especially those with SEND or have clear potential to learn quickly Be outstanding in their pastoral and safeguarding practice A strong interest in therapeutic approaches Resourcefulness, resilience and a growth mindset Can adapt and respond to the strengths and needs of pupils Good behaviour management skills Self motivated, enthusiastic and a team player

So, if you're new to Catholic Education, don't let that be a barrier - come and see what life is like at St Joseph's. Visits to the school are positively encouraged.



St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (Haywards Heath) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All employees will be expected to undertake an enhanced check with the DBS.


Contact : aparkinson@stjosephshh.org.uk 01444 452584

Job Details

Salary: 24,790 pro rata

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.15pm, Term time only

Location: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

Interviews: 26th June 2025

Job description: SEN teaching assistant (TA)

Main purpose

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The SEN teaching assistant (TA) will:


Provide learning and care support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) Work with the teacher to plan and deliver activities
Support pupils with routines, transitions and behaviour management

Duties and responsibilities

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Supporting pupils


Build positive relationships with pupils, promoting high self-esteem and independence Adapt communication style to respond to pupils according to their individual needs Support pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate Promote high standards of behaviour, responding to incidents in line with the school's behaviour policy and guidelines on physical intervention Assist with the development and delivery of individual education and support plans
Teaching and learning


Contribute to the planning of differentiated learning activities for individual or small groups of pupils with special educational needs (SEN), delivering activities inside or outside the classroom Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning Use IT skills to advance pupils' learning Through observations, provide regular feedback to teachers on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment Monitor, record and report on progress and attainment Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable Contribute to the overall ethos, aims and work of the school Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher or SEN co-ordinator (SENCO)

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals


Share 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 Communicate effectively with parents and carers under the direction of teachers Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Other areas of responsibility

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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 post holder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher or line manager.

What You Need to Succeed

To be successful in this role you will need to:

Person specification

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criteria




qualities

Qualifications

and training

GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and Maths

Experience

Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting

Experience working with children / young people with special educational needs (SEN)

Experience or knowledge of supporting autistic learners

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


Ability to work as part of a team and to be flexible in their approach to daily routines



Active listening skills


The ability to remain calm in stressful situations


Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children



Good IT skills, particularly using IT to support learning

Personal qualities

Enjoyment of working with children



Passion to support children with additional needs



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 pupil's wellbeing and equality



Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference



Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people

Notes:

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

Further Information

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.

How to Apply

To apply for this role please download the job description and application form below. Complete the application form and ensure that you outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description). Once complete please return this to aparkinson@stjosephshh.org.uk



Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application please feel free to email us or contact us on 01444 452584

NOTE TO CANDIDATES

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Job Reference: SCHO00635