The job itself
Pocklington CE (VC) Infant School is looking to appoint an engaging, caring and energetic Teaching Assistant to lead high-quality outdoor play and learning opportunities for our children. Working as part of our dedicated team, you will help create engaging, imaginative and inclusive play experiences that encourage children to develop confidence, resilience, creativity and independence.
This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape our outdoor provision and support children to learn through exploration, play and positive relationships in a nurturing environment.
We are also advertising a 10-hour Pastoral Assistant role. We hope to appoint the same person to both positions where possible, creating a combined role of 15 hours per week. If you are passionate about supporting children's emotional wellbeing as well as their play and development, we encourage you to read the Pastoral Care Assistant advert and apply for both roles if you feel your skills and experience match both positions.
If you are passionate about helping children flourish and enjoy working as part of a supportive team, we would love to hear from you.
This position is to start as soon as possible.
Pocklington CE Infants is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.
Main Purpose
To support pupils' wellbeing, social development and learning through high-quality outdoor play and learning experiences.
To lead and facilitate engaging, inclusive and stimulating outdoor provision during lunchtimes and other designated periods.
To promote positive relationships, independence, resilience, creativity and physical activity through play.
To help ensure that all children experience safe, enjoyable and meaningful play opportunities that contribute to their personal development and wellbeing.
To support the school's vision for outdoor learning and play, including the principles of OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) where applicable.
To contribute to a positive, inclusive and nurturing school environment where all children feel safe, valued and supported.
Duties and Responsibilities
Outdoor Play and Learning
Facilitate high-quality outdoor play opportunities that encourage creativity, imagination, problem-solving and risk management.
Support children in accessing a wide range of play experiences including loose parts play, construction, den building, imaginative play, physical play and nature-based activities.
Encourage children to develop independence, resilience and social skills through child-led play.
Promote inclusion and ensure all children can participate successfully in outdoor activities.
Observe children's engagement and development through play and share relevant information with teaching staff.
Encourage children to take appropriate risks and develop confidence whilst maintaining safe practice.
Support the development and maintenance of outdoor learning environments and play spaces.
Assist in the organisation, storage and upkeep of outdoor play resources.
Lunchtime Supervision and Wellbeing
Lead positive and engaging play opportunities during lunchtimes.
Encourage positive behaviour and support children in resolving conflicts appropriately.
Build positive relationships with children and act as a trusted adult.
Support children who may find unstructured times challenging.
Promote healthy lifestyles, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.
Monitor the welfare and safety of pupils during lunchtime and outdoor activities.
Administer basic first aid and respond appropriately to minor accidents and incidents.
Supporting Individual Pupils
Support children with SEND, SEMH needs or additional vulnerabilities to access outdoor play successfully.
Adapt activities and provision to meet the needs of individual children.
Work alongside teachers, SENDCo and pastoral staff to support identified pupils.
Contribute observations that support children's personal, social and emotional development.
Planning
Plan and organise engaging outdoor play opportunities that meet the developmental needs of pupils.
Contribute ideas for improving outdoor environments and resources.
Monitor participation and engagement and adapt provision accordingly.
Support the school's outdoor learning and play development priorities.
Assist with seasonal activities, themed play opportunities and outdoor events.
Working with Staff, Parents/Carers and Relevant Professionals
Work collaboratively with teaching staff, support staff and school leaders.
Share relevant information regarding children's wellbeing, behaviour and engagement.
Build positive relationships with parents and carers where appropriate.
Work alongside external professionals supporting individual children when required.
Promote the school's ethos and approach to play and outdoor learning.
Health and Safety
Promote a culture of safe and responsible play.
Carry out daily checks of outdoor play areas and resources.
Ensure risk-benefit approaches are applied appropriately.
Follow school policies relating to health and safety, first aid and safeguarding.
Report hazards, accidents and concerns promptly.
Support children in learning how to assess and manage risks appropriately.
Professional Development
Participate in relevant training relating to outdoor learning, playwork, behaviour, inclusion and safeguarding.
Develop knowledge of child development and the role of play in learning.
Engage with OPAL and outdoor learning approaches.
Reflect on practice and contribute to the ongoing development of the school's outdoor provision.
Other Areas of Responsibility
Promote the school's values and ethos.
Support school events and outdoor activities where required.
Maintain outdoor equipment and learning spaces to a high standard.
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
Safeguarding
Safeguard and promote the welfare of all children.
Follow all safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
Undertake safeguarding training as required.
Contribute to a culture where children feel safe, listened to and valued.
Other areas of responsibility
Safeguarding
Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies.
Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school.
The TA will be required to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.