The Catch22 Multi Academies Trust is the vehicle for our sponsorship of an expanding number of academies focusing on learners who can benefit from small, supportive alternative education provision.

Academy sponsorship is about using partnerships to provide specific expertise and skills to enhance standards. Catch22, with our existing wide experience of alternative education provision, brings a focus on academic and behavioural improvement leading to re-integration back to mainstream provision up to Key Stage 3, infrastructure support, improvement to pastoral provision and greater focus on preparing young people for the world of work.

We look to increase access to one to one and mentoring opportunities through a mixture of off-site and extra curricular events in order to improve the self-esteem and self-confidence of learners. We also implement speech and language development programmes.

We offer a full national curriculum as well as a nurturing environment for primary and vocational subjects for older students. We have high aspirations for all learners, with an expectation that all secondary learners will work toward achieving at least five GCSEs.

The Burton Academy is an alternative education provision for 55 learners aged 11 to 16-years-old, whose needs cannot be met within a mainstream environment. The academy provides placements for young people in the Torbay area who exhibit social, emotional and behavioural concerns.

A strong wrap-around approach at the academy enables learners to build their confidence, overcome barriers to learning and progress to a positive next step in their lives.

Our high-quality, professional staff bring out the best in all learners through a personalised approach, enabling them to achieve beyond their expectations. Time with us can significantly improve a young person’s chances in life due to our mixture of high-quality teaching, consistency of boundaries and a nurturing philosophy.

We believe that all learners have the ability to succeed and make the most of the next stages of their lives. We promote key life skills so that they have the confidence and tools to reach their full potential as learners and citizens.

Join us as a Teaching Assistant and you could be playing a key role in providing an invaluable programme of education for vulnerable students who present challenging behaviours. As a Teaching Assistant you will provide support for our students, ensuring　that the education provision is of a high quality and that students are supported, motivated and challenged.

If you have the passion, resilience and determination to make a difference this really is a great opportunity to become part of a small team where you can see the impact your interventions are having. Join us and help change young people's lives for the better.

As a Teaching Assistant, your main duties will be to:

• Engage in interventions both in and out of lessons to foster effective participation of students in the social, behaviour and academic processes of the school.
• Work with the team to implement behaviour management strategies and develop relationships with students who may be vulnerable and have complex needs.
• Support the teacher in the delivery of engaging and successful lessons.
• Work with individuals and groups of students, assist in ensuring students are kept on task and complete activities set by the teacher.
• Deal with behavioural and special needs issues in conjunction with the teacher
• Deliver SEN interventions.
• Help implement lesson plans, aims and contents with the teacher.
• Provide feedback to students without reference to the teacher.
• Support and work with the teacher in testing/assessment.
• Provide individual student and group counselling if required.
• Provide detailed written reports when addressing complex student needs.
• Carry out a specific responsibility (e.g. speech therapy) and support other staff in the school when help is needed in this area.
• Take responsibility for meetings with external school contacts, e.g. parents, education psychologist, GP.
• Take responsibility for the whole class during the temporary absence of a teacher.
• Work external to the school site, e.g. on trips, educational visits etc.
• Supervise students at breaks and lunchtimes.

Please click here for full Job Description

As a Teacher Assistant you will need to be resilient. Ideally, you will have a good standard of education, however the role is supportive. You will need to learn aspects of behaviour management and possess the skills and attributes to implement strategies and utilise de-escalation to diffuse behavioural issues. In addition, we are looking for candidates with:

• A relevant professional qualification (NVQ level 2)
• Level 2 English and Maths.
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements of equal opportunities, discrimination, health and safety, SEN & safeguarding of children.
• High expectations of students’ behaviour and clear strategies for working with challenging students.
• Ability to work independently, supported by the teacher, with groups of or individual students.
• Ability to work at an advanced level with the teacher in planning and delivery of teaching activities (including those defined in Individual Education Plans).
• Experience of teaching children with EAL, SEN, speech and languages difficulties or other complex needs.

Contract: Term Time Only (39 weeks per year) 37 hours per week, permanent 

Salary: Zone 3 Grade C £18,823.62  - £23,594.00 per annum FTE (depending on experience).　

Face to face Interviews will take place but we may call you on the number you provide ahead of this to have an informal discussion about your application.　

Catch22 MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice will be followed and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

See the benefits of working for Catch22 here.

Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.