Job Overview
Position: 1:1 SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: St Mary’s Calne, UK
Education Stage: Primary
Department: Prep Year 4
Hours:0.5 FTE - Term time only - hours to be agreed to meet the needs of the pupil's timetable.
Job Purpose
The role of the 1:1 Teaching Assistant is to provide consistent, caring and effective support to a Year 4 pupil with Type 1 Diabetes and coeliac disease, enabling them to participate fully, safely and confidently in all aspects of school life.
The successful candidate will work closely with the pupil, class teacher, SENDCo, parents and relevant healthcare professionals to ensure that appropriate support is provided in accordance with the pupil’s Individual Healthcare Plan, medical guidance and the school’s agreed procedures.
The role is primarily focused on supporting the pupil to manage their medical needs safely and discreetly, whilst promoting independence, confidence, wellbeing and inclusion within the classroom and wider school community.
Key Responsibilities
Medical and Pastoral Support
- Provide appropriate day-to-day support for the pupil in managing their Type 1 Diabetes and coeliac disease, in accordance with their Individual Healthcare Plan and agreed school procedures.
- Undertake appropriate training in the management of Type 1 Diabetes and coeliac disease and follow the guidance provided by the school and relevant healthcare professionals.
- Support the pupil with monitoring and managing their blood glucose levels, including the use of relevant monitoring technology or equipment as required.
- Recognise and respond appropriately to signs of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, following the pupil’s individual medical plan and school procedures.
- Support the pupil with food, drink and carbohydrate management where required as part of their diabetes management.
- Support the pupil in maintaining a strictly gluten-free diet in accordance with the requirements of their coeliac disease.
- Be attentive to the ingredients and food provided to the pupil and ensure that agreed dietary arrangements are followed.
- Support the pupil during lunchtimes, snacks, school events and other occasions where food is involved.
- Ensure that appropriate medical supplies, monitoring equipment and emergency resources are readily available when required.
- Maintain appropriate records relating to medical support, where required by the school.
- Respond calmly and confidently in the event of a medical concern or emergency, seeking additional support from appropriate staff when necessary.
- Maintain a reassuring, discreet and age-appropriate approach to the pupil’s medical needs.
Educational Support
- Support the pupil to access the curriculum alongside their peers, under the direction of the class teacher.
- Provide appropriate assistance during lessons where their medical needs may affect their ability to participate fully.
- Encourage the pupil to develop increasing independence in understanding and managing their own medical and dietary needs, appropriate to their age and stage of development.
- Support the pupil during transitions, trips, visits, sporting activities, residential experiences and other aspects of school life where additional support may be required.
- Work alongside the class teacher to ensure that the pupil is fully included in classroom activities and is not unnecessarily separated from their peers because of their medical needs.
- Provide additional learning support where appropriate and directed by the class teacher, without creating unnecessary dependency.
- Help the pupil to feel confident and secure in participating in the full range of school activities.
Wellbeing
- Promote the pupil’s welfare, dignity and emotional wellbeing at all times.
- Be sensitive to the potential impact that managing a long-term medical condition and dietary restriction may have on a child’s confidence, friendships and participation.
- Support the pupil to feel included and able to participate in school life alongside their peers.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Follow the school’s safeguarding, health and safety, medical, food and behaviour policies.
Working with Others
- Establish a positive, trusting and supportive relationship with the pupil while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Work closely with the class teacher to ensure consistency in the pupil’s support.
- Liaise with the SENDCo and other relevant members of staff regarding the pupil’s progress, wellbeing and medical needs.
- Communicate appropriately with parents and carers in accordance with school procedures.
- Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals and other relevant agencies where required and directed by the school.
- Ensure that relevant information relating to the pupil’s medical and dietary needs is communicated appropriately to staff involved in their care, particularly when activities take place away from the normal classroom environment.
- Attend relevant meetings and training relating to the pupil’s needs.
Professional Development
- Undertake all necessary training relating to Type 1 Diabetes and coeliac disease and the pupil’s individual healthcare needs.
- Participate in relevant school-based training and professional development.
- Keep knowledge and understanding of appropriate medical, dietary and educational support up to date.
- Be willing to develop the skills and confidence required to support the pupil effectively.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience of working with children in an educational, care or similar setting.
- A warm, calm and nurturing approach to supporting children.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to remain calm and follow agreed procedures in potentially stressful situations.
- Strong organisational and observational skills.
- A good understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Reliability, patience and a strong sense of responsibility.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Willingness to undertake specific medical training relating to Type 1 Diabetes and coeliac disease.
Desirable
- Previous experience of supporting a child with Type 1 Diabetes, coeliac disease or another medical condition.
- Experience of working as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant.
- Relevant TA, childcare, first aid or healthcare qualification.
- Experience of supporting children with additional needs.
- An understanding of how to promote independence and inclusion for children requiring additional support.
Join us in creating an inspiring space where every child feels valued and supported. Your dedication can transform lives—apply today to become a key part of our committed educational community!
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
