"Grow, learn, achieve"

Person Specification – Apprenticeship – Teaching Assistant Post

Person Specification – Temporary SSA Post – Level 2Post Titles: Apprenticeship – Teaching Assistant

Section: Primary DepartmentSchool: Park Community AcademyHours: 37 hours per week Term Time Only

Knowledge

Effective use of ICT to support learning E

Use of other equipment technology – video, photocopier E

Knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice/legislation E

General understanding of national curriculum and other basic learning programmes D

Has previous knowledge of interactive whiteboard D

Skills

Basic understanding of child development and learning E

Willingness to undertake training and actively seek learning opportunities E

Ability to relate well to children and adults E

Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these E

Experience

Working with or caring for children of relevant age within the 2 – 19 age range E

Previous experience of providing in class support on an individual or whole Dclass basis

Qualifications

Good Numeracy and literacy skills E

NVQ 2 or equivalent in teaching assistance D

Completion of DfES Teacher Assistant Induction Programme E

Training in the literacy/numeracy strategy D

Excellent Health and Attendance Record E

Candidate Information

May 2018

INTRODUCTION

Park Community Academy is a Community Special Academy for boys and girls aged 2 - 19 years from Blackpool and surrounding areas. There are currently 242 pupils on roll.

Park Community Academy is a founder member of the Blackpool Multi Academy Trust, along with Devonshire Academy and Anchorsholme Primary Academy. The Multi Academy Trust was established on 1st September 2013. From April 2014 the Multi Academy Trust has been responsible for the sponsorship of Revoe Learning Academy, also in Blackpool.

From September 2015, the Local Authority commissioned Park Community Academy to deliver Post 16 provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs. This is co-located provision with Woodlands School situated off site, based at Westbury Sixth Form Centre.

Westbury Sixth Form Centre offers a three year programme providing education up to the age of 19 there are currently 33 students on roll (Year 12/13/14).

Blackpool Council’s Children and Young People’s Department have retained their statutory duties with regards to admitting children into the Academy.

LocationThe Academy is situated in a pleasant area of the well-known seaside resort of Blackpool, approximately one-mile inland from the town centre and sea front. Nearby is the large open space and recreational and sports area of Stanley Park, and in close proximity to the new Whitegate Drive Health Centre and Woodlands School for pupils with S.L.D/PMLD.

The Buildings and SiteThe original school was opened in September 1960, and the architecture reflects the style of that period. The main building is on one level and comprises of a general-purpose school hall with a kitchen adjoining, a primary wing with four classrooms; a secondary wing with four classrooms; a science room; a technology room; and a food technology room. The main reception and offices and the staffroom are situated centrally. There are three outlying "teaching blocks". The Infants and Foundation Stage are based in the new purpose built 'Jubilee Building' which comprises of two classrooms, and additional specialist provision including a dedicated therapy base and sensory and soft play areas, which opened in May 2002. In April 2004 the refurbishment of a derelict stable building was completed at a cost approaching half a million pounds. The building provides a dedicated ICT suite, school library, three further classrooms and additional office space situated in a two storey building. In January 2012, after a six month closure a third out building, now known as the ‘Diamond Building’ was completely refurbished to provide a superb new dedicated Art Room and ‘state of the art’ Performing Arts Studio.Outside is a large playing field, floodlit Multi Use Games Area, trim trail, separate playgrounds for infants, juniors and seniors and a car parking area.

Building DevelopmentsIn the last 20 years the Academy and the Local Authority have invested substantially in improving the site, facilities, security and learning areas on the school site.This has included: Provision of a specialist Science room. The installation of a 24 hour closed circuit television surveillance system. Electronic Security locks to all external doors. Improved security lighting. Installation of low-line ceilings and new lighting throughout the school. Refurbishment of the secondary school yard. New playground area for Key Stage 2. Refurbishment of Food Technology Room to include height adjustable units. Refurbishment of main entrance and reception area with improved disability access and

additional office space. Refurbishment of main office, resource area and new staffroom. Floodlit Multi use games area for school and community use. Refurbishment and extension to Headteacher’s Office. New disabled toilet and shower room. Refurbishment of School Hall and installation of new lighting rig and electronic curtains to

staging. Refurbishment of all Junior Classrooms (2008/09) Refurbishment of all Secondary Classrooms (2009/10) Provision of a new office space for the Learning Mentor (2010). Revised vehicular access to the school site and creation of a new 20 place car park at the

rear of the school (April 2010). Refurbishment and extension of existing buildings to create a new Expressive Arts Block

for school and community use, consisting of a Performing Arts studio and fantastic new Art room, along with additional office space for administrative purposes. (January 2012).

Full redecoration of the Jubilee and Stables buildings (August 2013). Refurbishment and extension of KS1 and KS2 playgrounds and outdoor learning areas

(April 2014). New cladding to exterior of main building (April 2014). Refurbishment of the primary and secondary toilets in the main school buildings. (August

2015) Refurbishment of boys and girls changing rooms. (August 2015) Refurbishment of co-located Sixth Form Centre – Westbury Sixth Form Centre (April

2016) Installation of Secondary outdoor gymnasium (August 2016) Construction work commenced on a new 5 classroom teaching block in the Primary

Department in December 2017 with a completion date of August 2018.

The PupilsAll pupils admitted into the school have a Statement of Special Education Needs or an Education, health & Care Plan dependent on their date of admission. The children have a range of learning needs associated with moderate to severe learning difficulties, complex learning difficulties including autistic spectrum disorders, sensory difficulties and associated social emotional and behavioral difficulties and challenging behaviours. Many are admitted either from local mainstream Schools or Nurseries. However, because of the nature of Blackpool there is a significant transient population, and some pupils move into the area with only partly completed statements or EHCP’s. Children are regularly admitted at any time throughout the school year.

Our pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum adapted to meet the needs of each individual. In addition to gaining language, mathematical, scientific, technological, artistic and physical skills, our aim is for children to build confidence, develop self-reliance, learn to make decisions and develop the ability to express feelings and ideas.

We also attach great importance to the personal, social and moral development of pupils, and seek to enable them to build positive relationships with other pupils and adults, and to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. We work hard to ensure that all pupils feel good about themselves and acquire a high level of self-esteem in order to promote self-confidence.

Home to school transport is provided by the Local Authority where appropriate and older pupils are encouraged to travel independently where feasible.

The Staff

Senior Leadership Team of Headteacher, one Deputy Headteacher, and two Assistant Headteachers, one Academy Business Manager.

Four phase Team Leaders (TLR Allowance) who have a curriculum, pastoral and team leadership responsibility for one or more age phase of the school.

Lead Behavioral Professional (TLR Allowance) Lead Teacher for School Direct programme and Student Teachers (TLR Allowance) Head of Faculty and Director of Specialism (TLR Allowance) Head of Faculty for Arts and Technologies (TLR Allowance)

All teaching staff have leadership responsibilities for curriculum areas across the whole school at either primary or secondary level.

The Head, Deputy, Assistant Headteachers, Team Leaders and Academy Business Manager meet regularly as a School Management Team. All other staff meet within Keystage teams or curriculum development teams. There are twice weekly morning staff briefings and whole school staff meetings are held as appropriate.Nursery Nurses and Special Support Assistants are integral members of each Key Stage Team. At present there are 26 such posts, including 3 Higher Level Teaching Assistants. Support Staff are also deployed specifically to support mainstream links for our pupils in local primary and secondary settings as required.

OFSTED INSPECTION

The School was last inspected in May 2015 and the pupils, parents, staff and Governors were all very proud when the ‘overall effectiveness of the school’ was judged as ‘Outstanding’. The school was also judged as ‘Outstanding’ in it’s previous full Inspections in October 2009 and May 2007.

The most recent report highlighted the many strengths of the school:- Park Community Academy is an exceptional school and every aspect of its work is

outstanding. The professional development of staff at all levels is given the highest priority. Pupils make outstanding progress from their usually very low starting points. Pupils have excellent attitudes to learning and a ‘can-do’ approach to their lessons because

of the strong, supportive relationships they enjoy. Park is a very happy place. Governance, leadership and management at all levels are exceptional. The Academy has developed excellent partnerships, not only with the other academies in

the Trust but by offering support and guidance to other schools in the Local Authority. PCA ensures safeguarding procedures are highly effective and parents are hugely

appreciative of the care the Academy takes for their children’s well-being and safety. Lessons are calm and purposeful. Attendance is above average and higher than other similar schools which is a reflection of

the pupils’ desire to be in school. Standards of teaching are high in all areas of the academy and have risen since the previous

inspection as a result of extensive professional development. Progress across all key stages is outstanding. Pupils make outstanding progress in reading,

writing and mathematics from their low starting points, so that, by the time they leave the Academy, pupils have narrowed the gap between their attainment and that of other pupils nationally.

The stimulating, rich and varied curriculum supports pupils’ personal development exceptionally well. There is a clear enjoyment for learning and pupils are aspirational and determined to achieve well.

The early years provision is led and managed exceptionally well by a very knowledgeable and experienced manager.

The full report can be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk – ‘schools’

Park Community Academy is also proud to say it has received the following awards: Designated as a Specialist Arts College (Sep 2010) Artsmark Gold (2012) ‘Outstanding Teacher’ Award – Blackpool Council Achievement Awards (2012) Distinction in the Category of ‘Outstanding New Teacher of the Year’ – Pearson

Teaching Awards (2012) ‘Inspirational Teacher Award’ – Blackpool Gazette (2012) ‘Teacher of the Year’ – Radio Wave Hero’s in the Community (2012) PE School of the Year – Blackpool Sports Council (2013) ECO Award Sustainable School Award – Blackpool Gazette (2013) Eco School’s Green Flag (2014) Investors In People - Silver (March 2014) Learning Outside The Classroom Silver Accreditation (March 2014) AFPE QUALITY SPORTS MARK WITH DISTINCTION (March 2014) School Fest Grand Final Winners – Blackpool Council (2014) Sainsburys School Games Gold Award (2014)

School of the Year – Blackpool Community Sports Awards (2015)

OUT OF SCHOOL CARE

The school is an OFSTED registered provider of Out of School Care. After School Clubs are provided three nights per week from 3.30pm – 4.30pm, offering a range of sports, leisure, recreational, musical, artistic and technology based activities for pupils of primary and secondary age completely free of charge.

In July 2007 the School’s Summer Activity Scheme was also inspected by OFSTED. The overall quality and standards of care provided by the school were judged as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

The full report can be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk – ‘out of school care’

The Governors' Curriculum Statement

"The Park Community Academy Curriculum will aim to follow the general principles laid down in the Blackpool Council Curriculum Document, with a particular emphasis on providing for the Special Educational Needs of each pupil.

Pupils will have access to the Foundation Stage and the full breadth of the National Curriculum, having due regard for the relevance to each pupil at their particular age and development level.

The progress of each pupil will be regularly assessed to guide the work of the teachers. Parents will be kept informed of progress and will be encouraged to participate in the education of their child through regular discussion and the review process.

Special emphasis will be placed upon the concept of the development of the whole child through personal, social, physical and spiritual development."

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

The School caters for the whole age range from 2 year olds right up to the 19 year olds. Therefore, although Park Community Academy is in spirit and purpose "One School", the organisation of the School takes into account differing educational, social, and physical needs of the pupils through the age groups.

The School is organised into the five stages of education defined by the National Curriculum:

KEY-STAGE 1: Yrs. R, 1 & 2 Lower PrimaryKEY-STAGE 2: Yrs. 3 to 6 Upper PrimaryKEY-STAGE 3: Yrs. 7 to 9 Lower Secondary.KEY-STAGE 4: Yrs. 10 & 11 Upper Secondary.KEY STAGE 5 Years 12,13 & 14 Sixth Form

Staff The teaching staff is organised into five teams, one for each of these Key-stages. The teams

also include nursery nurses or special support assistants who work closely with the teachers. The work within each Key-stage is organised by a senior team member called a "Team Leader".

Although each teacher is allocated to a particular team they may occasionally work within a different Key-stage for a particular subject.

PupilsThe pupils are placed in tutor groups or “classes” with children of similar age. Each class is in the charge of a Class Teacher or Form Tutor. Should you have any issues relating to your son/daughters’ education or welfare, then this member of staff would have direct responsibility and an overview for their well being, progress and care on a day to day basis.

As pupils get older and they move up the school, they tend to spend less time with just one teacher. However, even in Key-stage 3, 4 and 5, they will not meet as many different teachers each day as they would in a High School.

Because of the flexibility of teaching options within each Key-stage, occasionally special arrangements can be made for a pupil to work with a higher or lower group than their own if it is to their advantage. This is monitored carefully, and every effort is made to ensure that each pupil progresses normally through the Key-stages.

EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO PROMOTE THE INCLUSION OF OUR PUPILS WITHIN THE MAINSTREAM SECTOR WHERE APPROPRIATE.

At break-times The pupils mix socially within their own age bands. There are separate infant, junior and secondary playgrounds which allows for the differing physical size and styles of play.

Off-Site TeachingPupils in Years 10, 11 and the Sixth Form will sometimes travel to a different venue for their learning. For instance:

GCSE CoursesGroups of pupils from Years 10 and 11 attend South Shore Academy and Highfield Humanities College on a part time basis to access a range of GCSE courses. A member of staff from Park Community Academy provides in class support.

College Link Courses for Years 11, 12, 13 and 14, pupils are held on one of several sites of the Blackpool and Fylde College. These courses are led by College staff with discreet support provided by staff from School.

Pupils also attend Myerscough Agricultural and Horticultural College at Garstang.

Swimming lessons are provided for pupils in 3, 4, 5 and 6 at Moor Park Pool. Transport is provided.

Each pupil is able to progress at his or her own level and is able to gain recognised swimming certificates to demonstrate progress.

THE CURRICULUMThe school curriculum is designed to cover all the subjects of the National Curriculum. These subjects and "cross-curricular" subjects are listed on this page.

How these subjects are taught and the depth of detail depends on i) the age of the pupilsii) the ability of each pupil

Core subjects - EnglishMathematicsScienceInformation Technology

Foundation subjects HistoryGeographyMusicDramaArtPhysical EducationModern Foreign Language (French)Technology: (including Design Technology, Food Technology)

Religious Education (Parents have the right to withdraw their child from R.E.)

The following Cross-curricular areas are incorporated within the curriculum. Personal and Social EducationLife SkillsHealth EducationInformation, Advice and Guidance (IAG)CitizenshipWork Experience/Voluntary WorkEnvironmental EducationIndustry Education LiaisonEconomic and Industrial UnderstandingEuropean AwarenessEqual OpportunitiesMulti-cultural Education

Special Educational Needs .

Of course, there is a lot more to the Curriculum than just the list of subjects given above. Each pupil attending our school is here because they need a different approach to their learning. At the heart of the education of each pupil is their Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). Through the Statement and the Annual Review the most important educational targets are highlighted. These usually concentrate on three areas:

1. Speech, Language, and Literacy - Learning to communicate effectively through the spoken and written word.

2. Numeracy - Learning to understand number and to manage money, measurement, etc.

3. Personal and Social Education - Learning to care for oneself properly, and to give care and consideration for others.

The targets in the Statement are put into an Individual Education Programme for each pupil which then applies to the teaching and learning across the whole curriculum.

The Wider Curriculum

A wide range of activities is open to the pupils to enrich their experience of school life. Examples of the wider curriculum are:

Music - Music is an important part of school life. All pupils are encouraged to sing and experience playing various musical instruments. Some pupils go on to learn a brass instrument. The school has had a brass band for many years, which is a unique achievement and is a major strength of the school.

Drama and Theatre. - Drama is a key part of the curriculum, and all pupils will take part in public performances before an audience throughout their school life. Again, this is a major strength of the school. The school was very proud to be designated as a Specialist Performing Arts College in September 2010 and the Performing Arts sits central to the ethos of the school.

Theatre Visits and Visiting Performers - Travelling theatre groups and musicians visit the School. Groups of pupils are taken to suitable productions at the Grand Theatre including Shakespeare and Ballet.

Youth Club - There is a youth club which meets one evening a week. It is open to pupils of 14 years and upwards and past pupils up to 25 years old, and has all the facilities of the Blackpool Youth and Community Service at its disposal.

School journeys and visits - School visits and residential visits are organised every year. These activities widen the horizons of the pupils and provide opportunities for them to learn to live together in a new environment.

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) - This is now a very well-developed area of the curriculum offering careers guidance. There is close liaison with the Connexions Advisor who visits the school regularly and consults with pupils, teachers and parents about future employment and further education. Pupils are trained in interview techniques and are able to attend practice interviews.

Work experience - During the final two years pupils are placed out of school in work situations for a period of up to two weeks. This gives them first hand experience of working life.

Business Enterprise and other work related learning - The school holds "Enterprise Days" and “Super Learning Days” where people from local business, industry and the wider community come in to work on challenging projects with pupils. Various Business Enterprise ventures have become a regular feature, and pupils run several "mini-enterprises" in school at individual class level.

KEEPING OUR PARENTS INFORMED OF PROGRESS

We like to maintain close links with parents and they are welcome to visit the school at any mutually agreed time to discuss the progress of their child and to seek advice on other matters which might affect progress. Please telephone or send a note to the head teacher to arrange a convenient time.

Consultation Evenings

There are two Parents Evenings, one in the Autumn Term and one in the Summer Term, when you can consult with teachers about your child's progress.

End of Year Report

In the Summer Term you will receive a written school report, and you will be invited into school to discuss any matters arising from the report.

The Annual Review of your child's Statement of Special Educational Needs/Education, Health & Care Plan

Each year the Academy carries out a Review of the Statement of Special Educational Needs or EHCP. The purpose of the review is to look at the progress of your child's special needs, and to plan the programmes to meet the needs for the coming year.

You will be asked for your written comments on your child's progress and invited to attend the review meeting. Reports are received also from teachers, and other professionals who work with your child.

Your child will also be invited to contribute to and attend the review meeting.

The Review meeting will also consider how well the needs are being met, and whether a change provision should be considered.

The Transition Plan

The Transition Plan Review which takes place in Year 9 is an important part of planning for your child to leave school. At that Review the Transition Plan is drawn up, which will look at what needs to be done to help your child achieve a smooth transfer at 16+ into employment, training and Further Education courses.

HOMEWORK

Work is provided by the School for children to carry out at home in the evening or at the weekend. The nature of the work will depend very much on the age and the needs of each individual pupil. How often and how much again will vary according to age and needs.

Homework is popular with many of our pupils as they have brothers or sisters who will also have homework to do. It also gives you, the parents, an opportunity to become involved in

your child's education by providing help and encouragement.

Homework should be interesting and enjoyable. It should never become a chore. You can help by providing a quiet time and space for the homework to be done.

Your child's teacher will be pleased to discuss in more detail with you the homework and the ways in which you can help. So please feel free to contact the teacher if you have a query; we welcome your interest.

A copy of the Homework Policy is available from school on request.Throughout the Curriculum we aim to ensure that each pupil's individual special needs are met as required by the Governors in their Curriculum Statement.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

R.E. is taught across all the age groups of the school. The scheme falls within the Lancashire Syllabus and in accordance with national requirements reflects the fact that religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of other religions represented in this country.

WithdrawalParents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education. If you wish to withdraw your child from R.E. lessons, please let us know at the time of admission or, if already attending Park, notify us in writing. If you are able to let us know the basis for your decision to withdraw it will helpful to us in providing for other aspects of the spiritual, moral and social education of your child.

Please note that, although the school is not obliged legally to provide an alternative subject for a pupil who withdraws from R.E., during the lesson time an alternative supervised activity will be assigned.

PREPARATION FOR LEAVING SCHOOL

At a certain point, every parent begins to wonder about school-leaving and what lies ahead.

Beginning in Key Stage 3 the School starts to prepare students in earnest for the world of work.A programme of careers education is part of the Personal and Social Education Programme from Year 9 onwards. Pupils begin action planning to prepare themselves for the decisions they will make as school leavers.

Through Key Stage 4, pupils continue to work towards Further Education, vocational training, or employment. They are able to attend Links Courses at the Blackpool & Fylde College and Myerscough College, Garstang for horticulture, agriculture and small animal welfare. People from local business visit school to take part in Industry Days.

In Year 11 every pupil has the opportunity to take part in at least two weeks of Work Experience.

All the staff in the Key Stage 4 Team work together to prepare the pupils for moving on from school. In this we are assisted by our close links with the Personal Advisor from Connexions

All through Years 10 and 11 you, the parents will be kept informed of the options available, and regularly involved in the decisions being made for the future of your child. The Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator and staff will be pleased at any time to discuss your child's individual plans.

PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE .

The School is focused, not only the educational progress of our pupils, but also with their personal and social development. Pupils are guided gradually towards an understanding of their own emotions and behaviour, and consideration towards others.

Good standards of behaviour are expected and encouraged, but staff are also sympathetic to the fact that problems may arise from time to time. All staff are sensitive to changes in the usual behaviour of pupils which may give a clue that a problem may have arisen.

Poor behaviour may come from some change, or worry, or upset. It could be a new baby at home, a family bereavement, moving house; or it could be bullying, either at school or in the neighbourhood. Great emphasis is therefore placed on close home-school relationships to monitor pupils pastoral needs.

Unfortunately, sometimes children just behave badly with no real excuse. On these occasions, most minor discipline problems are dealt with by the teacher and can be sorted out straight away. More serious or persistent problems will be referred to the Team Leader. Should these problems continue, you will be invited in to school to discuss with the Headteacher or Deputy what further steps need to be taken.

Rewards

Great emphasis is placed on ensuring all members of PCA community understand what is meant by good behaviour and the consequences of inappropriate behaviour. Good work, good behaviour, and good effort are recognised and rewarded daily through praise, privileges, and the awarding of badges and certificates which build up in each pupil's personal Record of Achievement Folder.

Children & Family Support Team

This is a key team within the pastoral care system of the school, comprising of a Children & Family Support Manager, and Children and Family Support worker who work with school based colleagues, individual families and external agencies to further develop home school relations which promote high quality educational provision for all pupils in an environment which reflects care, happiness, enjoyment and success. The School also has a Lead Learning Mentor and is looking to expand its Learning Mentor Team in the coming year.

Other Multi Agency Staff

We have access to a School Nurse Practitioner up to four days per week, who supports the school in addressing health related issues. The School Nurse Practitioner delivers health

related programmes across the school in order to promote healthy lifestyles and good health, health assessment of individuals, health surveillance and health promotion to ensure that both local and national Public Health initiatives are met.

The school also has access to a Development and Family Support Officer for Children and Young People with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities based at The Together Centre on the neighbouring site of Woodlands School. They have a specific responsibility to work collaboratively with the three Blackpool Special Schools and Mainstream Schools to develop and promote extended services for children and young people with learning disabilities aged 0 – 19 yrs and their families.