Teaching Assistant Jobs at The British School in Colombo Sri Lanka

Job Overview

Teaching Assistant

Job Purpose:

• Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of all 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
• Cover and lead class teaching (under direction) as and when appropriate

Key Responsibilities:

1. 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) and English as an additional language (EAL)
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities
• Attend specialist lessons in order to support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at all pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 school’s child protection policy
• Look after children who are upset or have had accidents

Qualities and Skills

1. Qualifications and training:

• A levels minimum
• Qualifications relating to education preferred

2. Experience:

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

3. Skills and knowledge:

• Proficient in spoken and written English language and confident to work within a fast-paced English medium environment
• 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

4. 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 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
• Hardworking and passionate

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