Midday Supervisory Assistant (MSA)

Thank you for your interest in a post at our school. If you are successful you will be joining a team of highly motivated, experienced Midday Supervisory Assistants, who are committed to providing quality services for those with complex learning difficulties. Harford Manor is a complex needs school with 111 young people aged 4-19, all of whom have Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The school is situated just off the city’s inner ring road, and it boasts resources including a hydrotherapy pool, a therapy room, a soft playroom, a gym and some exciting outside equipment. Much of this equipment has been provided by generous donations and fundraising by the Friends of Harford Manor School Association.

For management purposes, the school is divided into Primary and Secondary Departments, each with an Assistant Headteacher in charge of the day to day running. Each Department has a class for pupils with behaviour and communication challenges associated with Autism. Within the Secondary Department, two Further Education classes have been established to provide life skills and independence training for 16-19 year olds. The pupils are based in class groups, with Teachers, Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and Teaching Assistants (TAs) working together to ensure that all pupils have their special educational needs met.

Children can be admitted from the age of three, and although the catchment area covers central Norwich and about 10 miles south of Norwich, some pupils travel from further afield to take advantage of the specific provision at Harford Manor School. Pupils can travel to and from school on transport arranged by the Local Authority, either by mini-bus or taxi, with an escort on each vehicle.

The school promotes strong partnerships with Parents and Carers, and we also work closely with other agencies to ensure a smooth and well-planned educational process. Visiting professionals include speech therapists, a music therapist, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a consultant paediatrician, consultant psychiatrists, education psychologists and sensory support teachers. Close links are maintained with social and community health services. Teaching staff have the responsibility of devising individual educational programmes within a whole school curricular framework, which encompasses the National Curriculum and RE. Progress and achievements are recorded in a positive and child-centred way, with review and planning meetings being held on a regular basis.

Parents are encouraged to become involved with the school and the education and development of their child. Classes hold termly shared parent events. They are welcomed into the classrooms, or becoming involved with the activities of the Friends of Harford Manor School. This association, a registered charity, organises social and other events for pupils and their families and supports the school in many ways.

Many activities take place outside the school (e.g. swimming, horse-riding, Able2B, learning to use shops and community facilities) and links with the wider community are given a high priority. Students come to Harford Manor School to work alongside staff in the classrooms and we have particularly close links with the Community Studies Department of City College, Norwich.