Department of Children’s Services
Education and Learning; Childrens Sensory and Physical Needs Service
Vision Impaired Local Authority Resourced Provision at Hanson Academy
Vision Impaired Specialist Support Assistant
Band 5/6 SCP 4 -11 £23,114 pa - £25,979 pa (Pro rata for Part Time Posts)
(Actual salary approx. £17,460 - £19,625 pa)
32.5 hours per week, (39 weeks) Term Time Only
Based at VI LARP, Hanson Academy
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated colleague to join our team of professionals to work with children with vision impairment at Hanson Academy, in the Local Authority Resourced provision (LARP). As a Vision Impairment Specialist Support Assistant, you will have the rewarding experience of supporting pupils to access learning across their distinctive areas of need. This will include supporting transition and developing the skills and experiences they need as part of their pathway to adulthood.
We are looking for a colleague that has a solution focused approach to meeting the needs of the children and young people. Those needs can also include cognition and learning, social communication, medical and physical needs and social, emotional and mental health needs.
Through a detailed induction programme and experience day to day in the role you will develop a depth of knowledge about the Children and Young People (C/YP) and we encourage innovative approaches to meeting their needs. We are expanding the use of assistive technology to facilitate learning and independence in the C/YP and it is essential that the successful candidate has an aptitude and confidence in using ICT such as an iPad and various apps.
The C/YP who access the resourced provision have a range of complex needs including medical needs. You will need to demonstrate that you can independently administer medication, following training from health professionals, support with personal hygiene needs, be able to engage in Manual Handling training, respond to medical needs appropriately and access First Aiders or training where required and other similar duties independently.
Pupils with a vision impairment benefit from physical activities in the curriculum. You will need to be able to independently support pupils in active lessons such as dance, drama, and sport. Similarly, the Academy curriculum offers pupils lessons in creative technologies. As such you will independently support pupils in lessons such as resistant materials, textiles, and food technology where the pupils’ use of machinery and devices will be supervised by you.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the ability to be mindful of and can act independently to ensure the health and safety of pupils in a range of contexts described but not limited to those above.
Braille continues to be a clear means of communication for vision impaired C/YP. Experience of Braille is desirable, also training can be accessed to develop skills as needed.
Please be aware that you will be employed by Bradford Council’s Children’s Sensory and Physical Needs Service and not the school. Although you will be based at Hanson Academy, you can be moved to alternative provisions if required.
The Code of Practice on the English language requirement for public sector workers, Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 requires that Councils ensure that all candidates applying for customer facing posts must be assessed in order to establish their fluency in English.
The criteria under special knowledge and experience on the job profile which is shown in this advert outlines what level of fluency you will be expected to demonstrate. Therefore, it is essential that you provide examples in your application.
For further information regarding this post please contact Barbara Moores Teacher in Charge LARP, Hanson Academy on 07977 590344 or email at mooresb@hanson.org.uk
An enhanced disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service will be undertaken for this post.
Closing Date: 6th June 2024
Please see attached Job Profile: Vision Impaired Support Assistant Job Profile.doc