The posting
We are seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant /Technician - Hair & Beauty to join our dedicated team. Working closely with the Hair & Beauty Teacher, you will support the delivery of practical vocational lessons and hands on learning activities for students with a range of abilities and needs, including SEMH and SEN. The role will also involve supporting the delivery of alternative provision Hair & Beauty learning within other schools across the local community.
The successful candidate will support the wider aspects of school life, such as student transport, maintaining a safe site environment, and assisting with the day to day running of a safe vocational provision. They will provide technician support to the vocational teachers. The ability to build positive relationships with young people and a knowledge of health and safety are key to success in this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare and deliver appropriately challenging learning activities for individuals, small groups or whole classes under the direction of a named teacher.
- Support students to access the curriculum and make sustained progress in their learning.
- Monitor, assess, record and report student attainment and progress in collaboration with teaching staff.
- Provide constructive feedback to students to support their learning and development.
- Produce and adapt schemes of work, lesson plans and learning resources under the direction of teaching staff.
- Prepare materials, equipment and work areas for Hair and Beauty practical lessons.
- Support demonstrations and practical activities, ensuring resources are available and used safely and effectively.
- Provide technical guidance to students and colleagues on the correct use of Hair and Beauty equipment, tools and materials.
- Organise, maintain and monitor departmental resources and equipment so they remain safe and fit for purpose.
- Implement and support Health and Safety requirements, risk assessments, safe working procedures and COSHH requirements.
- Promote positive behaviour, engagement and independence through consistent application of the school's behaviour expectations.
- Work constructively with colleagues, families and external professionals to support student achievement, wellbeing and inclusion.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be able to combine effective support for teaching and learning with the practical and organisational skills required within a specialist Hair and Beauty environment.
You will have:
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant standards or an equivalent qualification or experience.
- Level 2 qualifications or equivalent in English and mathematics.
- Knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum.
- The ability to plan, organise and lead high-quality learning activities under the direction of a named teacher.
- An understanding of child development and learning processes.
- Effective questioning and observation skills.
- Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements, including COSHH regulations.
- The ability to handle, store and dispose of materials safely and in accordance with relevant regulations.
- The ability to use ICT effectively to support learning.
- The ability to promote a calm, purposeful learning environment and manage behaviour positively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
- A proactive, flexible and responsible approach to work.
- A caring and positive approach to working with children and young people.
- A commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
About Horizons Alternative Provision Academy
Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is an Alternative Education provision for young people ranging from 5-16 years old. We support learners who have been permanently excluded from mainstream settings and provide preventative support to those who are at risk of permanent exclusion. Additionally, we support those that unintentionally exclude themselves from education and children who cannot access school for medical reasons. We are a multi-site organisation which includes our Primary provisions, based at Great Hollands Primary School in Bracknell and College Road in Reading, and Secondary provision, based at Cranbury Road in Reading. We have Outreach teams that provide specialist support within schools, a tutoring service, offer vocational courses in Hair & Beauty and Multi-skills and run a Hospital Teaching Service based at Royal Berkshire Hospital who provide education to children on short and long term stays. Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is a fast paced, energetic setting where we pride ourselves on a strong team ethic, always working together to create a nurturing and supportive setting for our student's alternative pathway to success.
About Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.
Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.
Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.
Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.
Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust
Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including :
Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service
ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event
Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities
Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles
Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points
Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)
Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes
Mental Health First Aid Support
Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET
Employee Referral Scheme
Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.
Additional Information
If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact [email protected] for an informal discussion.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references
