Teaching Assistant

Join The Astley Cooper School and make a real difference to young people

Are you passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential? Do you have a positive, patient and inclusive approach and enjoy building strong relationships with students?

The Astley Cooper School is looking for an enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant to join our established SEND team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning, develop their confidence and achieve more than they thought possible.

Working closely with teachers, SEND colleagues and the wider pastoral team, you will provide support to students both in and out of the classroom. You will help students engage with their learning, develop their independence and access the opportunities available to them.

This is a rewarding and varied role, requiring someone who is patient, approachable, resilient and able to build positive relationships with young people. You will need to be able to work effectively as part of a team, use your own initiative and adapt your approach to meet the individual needs of students.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who are enthusiastic about supporting students with SEND and who have a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The successful candidate will

• Be enthusiastic, caring and committed to supporting young people to achieve their full potential.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with students, encouraging confidence, independence and self-esteem.
• Provide support to students with a range of additional needs, helping them to access learning and participate fully in school life.
• Work closely with teachers and the SEND team to support students both within and outside the classroom.
• Have a patient, calm and positive approach when working with students who may experience barriers to learning.
• Adapt communication and support strategies to meet the individual needs of students.
• Encourage students to develop their independence and take increasing responsibility for their learning.
• Support students to develop their social, emotional and organisational skills where appropriate.
• Be able to communicate effectively and professionally with students, staff and, where appropriate, parents and carers.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Be organised and able to manage a varied workload within a busy school environment.
• Be able to work independently while also contributing positively to a supportive and collaborative team.
• Remain calm and resilient when faced with challenging or sensitive situations.
• Have a commitment to inclusion, equality and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
• Be willing to undertake relevant training and continue to develop their knowledge and skills.

Previous experience of working with young people or in a school or educational setting would be an advantage, particularly experience of supporting students with SEND. However, we would also welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience in other settings who can demonstrate transferable skills, a positive attitude and a genuine desire to support young people.

About The Astley Cooper School

The Astley Cooper School is an increasingly popular and oversubscribed secondary school in Hemel Hempstead. We are proud of our diverse school community and are committed to providing the very best opportunities for every student and member of staff.

Situated on the edge of Hemel Hempstead, the school benefits from excellent transport links, with easy access to the M1 and M25 as well as the local train station.

We are continuing to build a strong culture of success, with high expectations for all our students. Our aim is that every young person leaves us as a successful, well-rounded and confident individual, ready to take their next steps and succeed in the modern world.

Working in our school can be challenging, but that is also what makes it so rewarding. Our challenges are significant, but they are exactly why we love working here.

The school is proud to be part of the Government's Priority School Building Programme. This significant investment has supported the growth of the school and our profile within the local community. We have state-of-the-art facilities, including a leisure centre, swimming pool and new science laboratories and classrooms, benefiting our staff, students and wider community.

What we can offer you

At The Astley Cooper School, we recognise that our staff are central to our success. We are committed to supporting colleagues to develop professionally and personally, and offer:

• A competitive salary
• Membership of the relevant pension scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Vivup - a Hertfordshire County Council cashback scheme
• A comprehensive CPD programme for all colleagues
• A supportive and committed school community
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• The opportunity to work as part of an established and supportive SEND team
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives, education and future of young people

Be part of something that matters

If you are enthusiastic, caring and passionate about supporting young people, and want to play an important role in helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.

Join The Astley Cooper School and become part of a team that believes in the potential of every student and is committed to helping them achieve more than they thought possible.

Visits to the school are welcomed. If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact the Headteacher's PA, Mrs Louise Dorey, at admin@astleycooper.herts.sch.uk.

Further details about the school can also be found on the school website at www.astleycooper.herts.sch.uk.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity as we may appoint and close the advert early. If you have not heard from the school by the closing date of this advert, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.