Job Scope

The Higher Level Teaching Assistant which is also referred to as (HLLSA) at JESS plays a vital role in maintaining the continuity of learning across various classrooms. Acting primarily as an internal supply cover, the HLLSA collaborates closely with teaching staff to deliver daily lessons in the absence of regular teachers and support to classrooms in the absence of an LSA. He/She will provide support to students, teachers and the school in order to raise standards of achievement for all, by utilising his/her advanced levels of knowledge and skills when assisting with planning, monitoring, assessing and managing classes and to encourage pupils to become independent learners. He/She will provide support for student welfare and support the inclusion of students in all aspects of school life. Although the HLLSA may engage in some intervention activities, the primary responsibility is to cover for absent teachers and teaching assistants. He/She should always conduct themselves in an appropriate professional manner to support and foster the aims and Core Values of JESS.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. All staff working at JESS will have some contact with children and young people and will therefore be in a position of trust. Staff with teaching duties will be responsible for the students that they teach and may also have additional specific pastoral or other responsibilities for other students they do not teach. In addition, all staff will regularly interact with students who may seek assistance or otherwise interact with them whilst moving around the school. In all cases, the staff’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the students is to adhere to and always ensure compliance with the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policy and procedures to include whistleblowing ensuring all concerns are immediately passed on to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Officer(s) (DSO).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

This not an exhaustive list of duties/responsibilities. Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the Higher Level Teaching Assistant will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher. The responsibilities outlined may be modified by the Headteacher, upon mutual agreement, to reflect or anticipate changes in the role:  

Supporting students:

• Develop an understanding of individual student needs and learning differences.
• Ensure students’ access to lessons through appropriate clarification, adaptation, and resources.
• Work with individual students or groups as directed by the Class Teacher.
• Apply best practices and strategies for supporting student progress and well-being.
• Assist students requiring personal care support.
• Support students with additional learning needs (physical, behavioural, educational) as guided by the Class Teacher or the Oasis department.
• Maintain an orderly and tidy learning environment.
• Implement the school's behaviour policy.
• Supervise students with vigilance, ensuring their safety and well-being.
• Encourage student independence.
• Provide timely feedback to students to support their learning progress.

Supporting the Class Teacher:

li>Collaborate with Class Teachers in planning and delivering lessons.
• Ensure relevant equipment and materials are prepared and suitable for learning activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of teaching resources that meet diverse student needs and interests.
• Record observations of student performance and communicate these to the Class Teacher.
• Provide cover as required and directed by SLT.

Supporting the curriculum:

• Support individual students or groups as directed by the Class Teacher.
• Plan and deliver targeted support programs in accordance with specified learning targets.
• Assist in organising resources to aid teaching and learning.
• Participate in inclusion team planning, self-evaluation, and training in assigned curriculum areas.
• Provide examination access support where appropriate.
• Support the use of assistive technologies within the school.
• Collect and analyse data related to support programs.

Wellbeing of students:

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of students.
• Comply with the school’s safeguarding & child protection policy, ensuring any concerns are reported immediately to the DSO.
• Facilitate peer interactions based on the guidance of the Class Teacher.

Other:

• Comply with the Staff Code of Conduct, Ministry of Education Code of Conduct, and school policies.
• Attend staff, year group, primary or whole school meetings, induction, professional training days/workshops, and other school events as required.
• Provide effective supervision of students out of class (e.g., morning gate, break, and lunch duties).
• Participate in school trips (local or international) and school events outside normal school hours (e.g., JESS Fest/Festive Fete).
• Communicate in a timely and appropriate manner with parents as necessary.
• Participate in any arrangements for appraisal.
• Undertake other specific duties as reasonably requested by the Class Teacher, Year Group Leader, or SLT.

Key Relationships

Internal – Students, Teachers, Leaning Support Assistants, 1:1 Learning Support Assistants, Oasis Team, SLT, Director
External – Parents, KHDA, IB, third party agencies

Application

The successful applicant will preferably hold at least a CACHE Level 3 qualification or equivalent would be desirable. He/She will have relevant and recent school-based experience within the classroom.

Please note this position will be offered on a local contractual basis. The successful applicant must be sponsored by his/her spouse and have their own medical cover. Please do not apply if you are seeking a visa.

Applicants must complete the JESS application form (attached below), and upload the application form and a detailed CV. Please be advised that incomplete applications will not be considered in the selection process.