Fakenham High School & College

Transcription

1 Fakenham High School & College Enhanced by the award of Technology and Applied Learning College Status Learning Support Assistant Information for Applicants Field Lane Fakenham Norfolk NR21 9QT Telephone: Fax: Web site: Headteacher: Richard Moore Nov 08

2 Fakenham High School & College Enhanced by the award of Technology and Vocational College Status Field Lane, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 9QT Tel: Fax: Website: Richard Moore Headteacher 6 th November 2008 Dear Candidate Learning Support Assistant: Scale 2 or 3 Thank you for asking for details of the post of Learning Support Assistant (LSA). Together with this letter you should find the following enclosures have been sent to you: General details about Fakenham High School A Job Description for the post of Learning Support Assistant A Personal Specification An application form We wish to appoint a new LSA to work in our Learning Support team. You will need to be enthusiastic, flexible, reliable and energetic. A commitment to working with young people who have special educational needs is an essential qualification for this post. The Learning Support team is led by Lyn Sayer and currently includes 2 teachers and 12 LSAs. The team has its own designated accommodation including teaching space and an office. There are differentiated materials for a wide range of subjects, specialised teaching materials and computers. The Learning Support area is open and staffed by members of the Learning Support team every lunchtime to support students with class work and homework. A homework club takes place on one evening a week to support work in school and to offer help with literacy. The majority of support work undertaken by LSAs is in-class. It involves a variety of strategies for working with students as directed by the subject teacher. The LSA s role may be linked to an individual student or to a group. LSAs perform a number of tasks within the classroom which can include the adaptation of learning materials; reading and explaining texts to students; assisting students in recording information and homework; helping in discussion work; encouraging poorly motivated students; acting as a link when students can not communicate properly; hearing students read; giving basic skills practice; being an extra adult when students are out of school; acting as a reader/scribe during examination time. Students may also be withdrawn from individual lessons in order to address identified needs, either individually or in small groups. This occurs in consultation with the student, parents and subject teacher. Withdrawal programmes may include basic literacy skills, reading and spelling programmes, handwriting and subject support. All students on the SEN register have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). IEPs are written and reviewed with the student and whenever possible with the parent or guardian. Statements of Special Educational Needs are reviewed annually. Where LSAs work closely with an individual student they may be required to contribute to the reviewing process.

3 If you wish to have more information Lyn Sayer would be happy to answer any questions you may have prior to your making a formal application for the post. If having read the documentation provided you would like to apply for this post, please complete the enclosed application form. The letter of application should be no more than 2 sides of A4 in length and should be typed or wordprocessed. The closing date for this post is Friday 28 th November and the appointment will begin as soon as possible after the interviews have taken place. We look forward to reading your applications and to meeting short-listed candidates at interview. In the interests of economy, no acknowledgement of applications will be made unless you enclose a stamped addressed postcard. If you have not heard from us by 12 th December, please take this as an indication that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Yours sincerely Richard Moore Headteacher

4 Fakenham High School and College Fakenham High School and College is a mixed community school of 1350 students. In the High School there are currently 7 or 8 forms in each of Years 7 to 11 and about 330 students in the College, which consists of Years 12 and 13. We serve a large rural area in the heart of North Norfolk. Fakenham itself is a small but busy market town with a population of some 7,000, ten miles from a beautiful coastline and midway between Norwich and King s Lynn. It has good road links and house prices in the town or surrounding villages are above the national average. We are proud of our academic achievements. In 2008, the A Level pass rate was 97%, with 67% at grades A-C, whilst 66% of students achieved five or more A*-C grades at GCSE. We have had four Good OFSTED Inspections, the most recent being in May We are an Investor in People and gained both Sportsmark and Artsmark Silver awards in We took on Specialist Technology School status in 2000 and set up the Rural Norfolk Federation in In 2005 we were designated a high performing specialist school and since 2006 we have also been a Specialist School for Applied Learning. We are usually fully subscribed and attract a significant number of applications from families living outside the catchment area. The College is one of the biggest Sixth Forms in Norfolk, attracting about half of all students from a wide range of high schools and schools in the private sector. The school operates on two sites, separated by playing fields, along a quiet road. The College is based at Highfield House, a listed Georgian building with commanding views across splendid grounds to the town. Its swimming pool is also used by the local community. Our new Conference Hall opened in Years 7 to 11 are based at the Field Lane site, which is a mixture of well-maintained buildings mostly dating from the late 1950s and the 1990s. Our most recent building (2005) includes the school library, a second fully-equipped drama studio and office accommodation. Most departments enjoy specialist accommodation. The town s sports and fitness centre is on a site adjacent to the school and the PE Department enjoys sole use during the day. All students follow the National Curriculum in Years 7 to 11. Drama, PSHE, and Citizenship, are added to prescribed KS3 subjects. By the start of Year 9 setting is used in mathematics, modern foreign languages, science, English and PE, and mixed ability teaching in most other subject areas. In Years 9 and 10 all students follow an examination course in ICT while in Years 10 and 11 they must take English, mathematics, science and technology. We encourage students to choose a modern foreign language as one of their three optional subjects. Options include a wide range of applied learning courses which take place both in school and on the premises of the 3 further education colleges in King s Lynn and Norwich with whom we work. In September 2008 we introduced the new Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at a very well-resourced centre on a nearby industrial estate. Most College students begin with four AS courses, chosen from an extensive range, before progressing to A2. We also offer a range of Level 2 and Level 1 vocational courses in the College.

5 Most support for students with learning difficulties is undertaken in mainstream lessons. ICT is delivered through discrete lessons as well as in crosscurricular form. As a specialist Technology School, we have a commitment to continuing investment in hardware. We are well equipped with a whole school ICT network, dedicated ICT suites and laptop trolleys accessible to all. Every teacher has a lap top computer and interactive whiteboards have been installed throughout the school. Students learning is supported by our VLE and the use of innovative teaching strategies co-ordinated by a leader of e-learning. We place great emphasis on pastoral care at an individual level through the tutor group. Our pastoral system is led by an experienced team of Pastoral Managers and Year Tutors, each of whom leads a team of tutors. The College has its own Management Team. All teachers at Fakenham are expected to accept tutorial responsibility. The Leadership Group consists of the Headteacher, three Deputies (one of whom is the College Director), five Assistant Heads and the Business Manager. The Middle Management Group is central to School Improvement and Development issues, some of which are also shared with working parties. The Governing Body is very supportive of the school and is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds. As Investors in People we value all those who work at Fakenham, whether teachers or support staff. We recognise that working in a school that is committed to a policy of continual professional development and improvement can be demanding and sometimes exhausting. All staff have the opportunity to consider their own CPD needs. The Staff Association arranges regular social events and staff are encouraged to take advantage of the school facilities. The School is part of the Norfolk Well Being programme and is a no smoking environment. We are committed to the development of the Student Voice in the improvement and management of the organisation. Each year has its own elected council which meets regularly to discuss different aspects of the school and which feeds in to a School Council. The Head Girl and Boy and their deputies run a team of Prefects in the High School and take on a range of responsibilities, representing the school at all public functions. In both School and College there is extensive community involvement and a very wide range of extra curricular activities including a thriving Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, outstanding instrumental music provision, both major and workshop drama productions and a wide range of sports teams and clubs. Richard Moore October 2008

6 FAKENHAM HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE JOB DESCRIPTION Post Title Learning Support Assistant Responsible to SEN Manager Scale: APT & C Scale Scale 2/ (pro rata ) hours per week, term time + 5 days (training days/twilight sessions) 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE Under the direction/instruction of teaching/senior staff: work with individuals/groups to supervise physical/general care of students, including those with SEN; support access to learning for students and provide general support to the teacher in the management of students and the classroom. 2. ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2.1 Responsible to Assistant Headteacher (Social Inclusion) through SEN Manager but working with a qualified teacher on a day to day basis. 2.2 Liaise with teachers and other support staff and appreciate/support the role of other professionals. As directed, liaise with parents and volunteers. 3. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES OR ACTIVITIES Support for Students 3.1 To attend to the personal and social needs of students and any other special requirements depending on the nature of a student s special needs and, wherever possible, making these part of the learning experience. 3.2 Supervise and support students, primarily those with special educational needs, ensuring their safety and access to learning. 3.3 To support those requiring special arrangements in public examinations. 3.4 Establish good relationships with students, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs, promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students and encourage students to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher. Support for the Teacher 3.5 Be aware of student problems, progress and achievements, report to the teacher as agreed and undertake student record-keeping as requested. 3.6 Support the teacher in managing student behaviour, reporting difficulties as appropriate. 3.7 Copy prepared differentiated material to use within the classroom.

7 3.8 Provide clerical and administrative support for the department. Support for the Curriculum 3.9 Support students to understand instructions and in undertaking literacy and numeracy tasks as directed by the teacher Prepare and maintain equipment/resources as directed by the teacher and assist students in their use, including the use of basic ICT as directed. Support for the School 3.11 Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person Be aware of and support difference and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop Attend relevant meetings as required and participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required Assist with the supervision of students out of lesson times, including before and after school. Accompany teaching staff and students in visits and out of school activities as required Undertake other similar activities that fall within the grade and scope of the post, as directed by the Headteacher. Learning Support Assistant Nov 2008

8 FAKENHAM HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE PERSONAL SPECIFICATION POST TITLE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY Learning Support Assistant To work with individuals/groups with SEN and others to support access to learning for students and provide general support to the teacher in the management of students and the classroom as required. ATTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE HOW IDENTIFIED PHYSICAL AND PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES Good timekeeping - must be able to report for work at specific times and be able to work throughout the 195 days of the school year (save for compassionate leave). Smart appearance. Stamina, good health and sufficient energy to cope with a demanding post. Clean driving licence and own transport QUALIFICATIONS Good numeracy/literacy skills Completion of DfES Teacher Assistant Induction Programme. GCSE C grade or equivalent in English and Mathematics EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE TRAINING Knowledge of children of the secondary school age range. Understanding of the needs of children in a multi-cultural society. Readiness to continue professional development and undertake any further necessary training. Experience of working with ICT. Experience of working with children of secondary school age and/or in a school environment. First Aid Training. Some experience of working with ICT, use of photocopier, video, etc. Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Programmes. Any relevant training in the areas of ICT, literacy, numeracy, health, childcare and vocational skills. Application Form Reference Interview Application Form. Application Form Reference Application Form Reference Application Form Reference Interview

9 DISPOSITION AND ATTITUDES PRACTICAL AND INTELLECTUAL SKILLS Understanding and patient manner but firm and fair with students at all levels of ability. Ability to relate well to children and adults. To be able to work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and own position within these. Commitment to Fakenham High School s equal opportunities policy. Ability to use ICT at a basic level. Good inter-personal, numeracy and communication skills including a good standard of written and spoken English. Able to keep records. Able to understand and carry out instructions. Advanced ICT skills. Interview Application Form Reference Interview LSA November 2008

10 If you require this in large print or in an alternative version please contact FAKENHAM HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE Field Lane, Fakenham Norfolk NR21 9QT Telephone Fax