Zen Educate is seeking full time teaching assistants to support in mainstream as well as the special resource base.
Core Responsibilities Breakdown
1. Supporting Pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Under the ALN Code for Wales, support is structured around Individual Development Plans (IDPs), which replaced Statements of Special Educational Needs and Individual Education Plans (IEPs):
1-to-1 Targeted Support: Working directly with specific pupils who have identified additional learning needs. This involves adapting lessons, breaking down instructions, using visual aids, and implementing specific strategies outlined in their IDPs.
Targeted Interventions: Delivering small-group literacy, numeracy, or social-emotional interventions (e.g., Read Write Inc., ELSA, or nurture groups) to help bridge learning gaps.
Promoting Independence: Balancing direct assistance with scaffolding, ensuring pupils develop autonomous learning and problem-solving skills rather than becoming dependent on adult support.
2. Curriculum for Wales Integration
The role requires supporting teaching aligned with the Curriculum for Wales, which focuses on developing four core purposes (enabling children to be ambitious, capable learners; enterprising, creative contributors; adventurous, healthy confident individuals; and ethically, informed citizens):
Facilitating experiential, outdoors, and play-based learning, particularly in the Foundation Phase.
Supporting cross-curricular skills, with an emphasis on Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Competence across all six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs).
Assisting the class teacher with formative assessment—observing pupil progress, noting breakthroughs or struggles, and providing feedback to help tailor future learning.
3. Collaboration & Multi-Agency Working
ALNCo Coordination: Working directly with the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) to monitor IDP targets, provide regular progress feedback, and contribute to formal review meetings.
Classroom Partnership: Collaborating with class teachers to prepare differentiated resources, manage classroom dynamics, and ensure seamless delivery of lesson plans.
External Specialists: Supporting recommendations from speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, or occupational therapists who may be involved in a child's care plan.
4. Safeguarding, Well-being, and Inclusivity
Nurturing Environment: Creating a safe, predictable, and welcoming space for pupils who may experience anxiety, sensory overload, or behavioral challenges.
Positive Behaviour Support: Utilising restorative approaches and proactive co-regulation techniques to help children manage emotions and remain engaged in learning.
Safeguarding: Maintaining strict adherence to Monmouthshire County Council's safeguarding policies, noting and reporting any child protection concerns immediately.
Key Attributes Required
Compassion & Patience: The ability to build secure, trusting relationships with children who may find academic or social environments challenging.
Resilience & Adaptability: Capacity to remain calm and composed under pressure, particularly when supporting pupils with complex emotional, behavioral, or sensory needs.
Proactivity: Anticipating the needs of both the class teacher and the pupils, stepping in independently to adapt tasks or de-escalate situations before disruption occurs.
Knowledge of Welsh Educational Context: Familiarity with the ALN Transformation Program in Wales, IDPs, and the principles of the Curriculum for Wales.…Zen Educate is seeking full time teaching assistants to support in mainstream as well as the special resource base.
Core Responsibilities Breakdown
1. Supporting Pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Under the ALN Code for Wales, support is structured around Individual Development Plans (IDPs), which replaced Statements of Special Educational Needs and Individual Education Plans (IEPs):
1-to-1 Targeted Support: Working directly with specific pupils who have identified additional learning needs. This involves adapting lessons, breaking down instructions, using visual aids, and implementing specific strategies outlined in their IDPs.
Targeted Interventions: Delivering small-group literacy, numeracy, or social-emotional interventions (e.g., Read Write Inc., ELSA, or nurture groups) to help bridge learning gaps.
Promoting Independence: Balancing direct assistance with scaffolding, ensuring pupils develop autonomous learning and problem-solving skills rather than becoming dependent on adult support.
2. Curriculum for Wales Integration
The role requires supporting teaching aligned with the Curriculum for Wales, which focuses on developing four core purposes (enabling children to be ambitious, capable learners; enterprising, creative contributors; adventurous, healthy confident individuals; and ethically, informed citizens):
Facilitating experiential, outdoors, and play-based learning, particularly in the Foundation Phase.
Supporting cross-curricular skills, with an emphasis on Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Competence across all six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs).
Assisting the class teacher with formative assessment—observing pupil progress, noting breakthroughs or struggles, and providing feedback to help tailor future learning.
3. Collaboration & Multi-Agency Working
ALNCo Coordination: Working directly with the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) to monitor IDP targets, provide regular progress feedback, and contribute to formal review meetings.
Classroom Partnership: Collaborating with class teachers to prepare differentiated resources, manage classroom dynamics, and ensure seamless delivery of lesson plans.
External Specialists: Supporting recommendations from speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, or occupational therapists who may be involved in a child's care plan.
4. Safeguarding, Well-being, and Inclusivity
Nurturing Environment: Creating a safe, predictable, and welcoming space for pupils who may experience anxiety, sensory overload, or behavioral challenges.
Positive Behaviour Support: Utilising restorative approaches and proactive co-regulation techniques to help children manage emotions and remain engaged in learning.
Safeguarding: Maintaining strict adherence to Monmouthshire County Council's safeguarding policies, noting and reporting any child protection concerns immediately.
Key Attributes Required
Compassion & Patience: The ability to build secure, trusting relationships with children who may find academic or social environments challenging.
Resilience & Adaptability: Capacity to remain calm and composed under pressure, particularly when supporting pupils with complex emotional, behavioral, or sensory needs.
Proactivity: Anticipating the needs of both the class teacher and the pupils, stepping in independently to adapt tasks or de-escalate situations before disruption occurs.
Knowledge of Welsh Educational Context: Familiarity with the ALN Transformation Program in Wales, IDPs, and the principles of the Curriculum for Wales.WWWWW…