Support For Learning Assistant

At Balnacraig we believe that nurturing and attuned experiences promote opportunities for growth and development for our people. Our Therapeutic approach provides the basis of our cultural framework, one that informs not just practice but, everyone’s experience of living and working at Balnacraig

The work undertaken by all our people is at all times underpinned by our shared values of: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Honesty and Fairness.

At Balnacraig our mission is to make positive meaningful change in the lives of young people, the contribution of our teachers is key to the achievement of this.

Overall Job Purpose

Our Support for Learning Assistants play an important role in supporting the organisation’s nurturing ethos. They work in partnership with teachers and other staff to support effective learning and teaching and to meet pupils’ additional support needs. This may include working off campus in order to meet the individual needs of our young people and contribute to the good order and wider needs of the organisation.

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Care and Welfare of Young People
• Meeting Pupils’ Needs
• Effective Organisation and Use of Resources

Care and Welfare of Young People

• To promote and safeguard the care, protection, health and safety of all pupils by working cooperatively with other school staff and partners to meet the holistic needs of our young people
• To building positive relationships with young people and support them to manage routines and expectations
• To keep pupils safe by supervising non-teaching areas, escorting pupils within and outwith the premises e.g. between classrooms, to living areas, and providing support during breaks and mealtimes
• To work proactively with other staff to encourage positive behaviour and de-escalate any concerning behaviours

Meeting Pupils’ Needs

• To work closely with class teachers to deliver tasks, activities and resources matched to their individual learning needs
• To support pupils to pay attention, follow instructions, concentrate and stay on task
• To provide appropriate praise and encouragement to pupils during tasks
• To support young people to work together, encouraging teamwork and cooperation skills
• To provide help to pupils in organising their work or following classroom routines
• To support practical activities and other learning experiences in the classroom and beyond, as planned and directed by the teacher
• To support the development of literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing
• To supervise and support pupils either in class or elsewhere while they undertake work set by the teacher

Effective Organisation and Use of Resources

• To prepare classroom materials e.g. setting out and clearing away equipment, making booklets or other learning aids, photocopying etc.
• To support teachers to maintain wall displays of pupils’ work, resources
• To support teachers and young people to maintain personal achievement folders

Other duties

The post holder may be required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post as directed by the Head of Education Services or other member of the Senior Leadership Team. This may involve working off campus, for example in the local community.

Other Information

• Successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced PVG Disclosure check.
• Successful candidate will be required to undertake CALM training and maintain competence through regular practice.

Experience

• Experience of working with young people with additional support needs, particularly those with emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Experience of supporting learning and teaching

Skills and Abilities

• Interested in working in a child-friendly, multi-agency environment
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills
• Able to interpret and respond appropriately to a range of emotions and behaviours

• Able to promote positive behaviour and respond appropriately to challenging behaviour

• Capable of using IT

Personal Qualities

• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Commitment
• Team Player
• Professional and personal integrity
• Self Awareness

Ability to cope with the demands of the job and attend on a regular basis.

How to Apply

For an application please contact Susan Thomson on susan.thomson@balncraig.net

This is a permanent, part time position of 3 days per week, (21 hours). Salary is £13,230, FTE £22,050.