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Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here.
Qualified Educational Specialist Teaching Assistant
The Berkshire Sensory Consortium Service (BSCS) is a specialist educational service for children and young people (CYP) 0-25yrs who have a hearing, vision or multi-sensory impairment. The Service works with pre-school children and their families and with early years settings, pupils in Local Authority (LA) maintained and Academy schools, LA Special schools and colleges. Additional support is also purchased for pupils in independent and non-maintained provision and for some of the HI and VI resource bases
We are looking to appoint 1.6 FTE specialist educational support assistants to work with children and young people with vision impairment.
The salary advertised will calculated pro-rata to the number of hours and working weeks.
About the role
The successful applicant will be part of the Vision Impairment team within the Service working independently in schools under the guidance of a Qualified Teacher for Children and Young People (CYP) with a vision impairment (QTVI). The role will involve providing specialist intervention programmes and modification of learning resources for pupils in a range of learning environments.
Experience, training and qualifications for supporting the educational provision and learning of young people with vision impairment is desirable and will be reflected in the salary grade.
The position is also open to those who do not have experience but wish to develop their skills and knowledge in this specialist area. The successful candidate will be expected to acquire additional qualifications in Braille and in supporting the needs of VI CYP. The post holder will be supported by the Service through training and continued professional development. An interest in technology and good IT skills are essential. You must be able to travel independently to meet the requirements of the post (mileage allowance available). This post is subject to an Enhanced Adult and Children DBS check.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact: Jean Weiss, Vision Impairment Coordinator 07823 535146 or by email Jean.weiss@achievingforchildren.org.uk
About you
The successful candidate will have:
- Level 3 qualification (ie A-levels or NVQ 3, English and Maths at GCSE Grade C and above or Level 3 Functional Skills in Maths and English).
- Experience of working with children and young people in schools either in a voluntary or paid capacity.( It would be expected that the appointee would gain accreditation to NVQ Level 3 on a suitable course for working with Children and Young People with Sensory Impairment within three years of appointment.)
Due to the nature of this role, you must be able to travel independently to meet the requirements of the post. A mileage allowance is available from your office base. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. The QUESTA will work across all of the Berkshire Local Authorities and occasionally in neighbouring authorities supporting Berkshire pupils on a short-term basis. Each member of staff has a local office base.
About our benefits
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC.
- Stable and supportive leadership.
- Peripatetic Hybrid mobile working with latest technology to facilitate this.
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- A range of staff benefits and discounts.
- A excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway.
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
