Job purpose:

As a Reading Specialist, you will work with the academy literacy lead, whose aim is to promote language and communication and to provide exceptional academic support to designated children, so that they can play a full and active part in the life of the school and make outstanding progress in their learning. Working closely with students, you will become familiar with those that you support and be able to gain a deeper understanding of their specific needs, allowing you to work with their teachers to support their personal development and to improve their academic achievement. A considerable proportion of your time will be spent conducting one-to- one or small group reading intervention to students who need it, so that they can catch up quickly and achieve the best that they can.

At L.E.A.D. we have a strong vision and four core principles, to lead, empower, achieve and drive. These principles underpin the day-to-day culture for support to our academies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

·        Provide one-to-one and/or small group support for identified students with literacy needs, including those with a statement of special educational needs (or an Education, Health and Care Plan).

·        Provide support to teachers so that they can employ teaching strategies that encourage pupils to work with increasing independence within a group and class.

·        Support student access to the curriculum by adapting learning activities where appropriate.

·        Develop a positive relationship with pupils to support progress and attainment and promote self-esteem and independence.

·        Deliver intervention and support strategies for specific students as directed by the specialist teacher.

·        Provide feedback pupils on their progress, achievement and attainment as directed by the specialist teacher.

·        Support the use of ICT in learning activities.

·        Provide advice and support to teachers and other support staff as to the most effective methods of support for specific students with literacy needs.

·        Work with teachers in lesson planning, pupil profiles, EHCP targets, evaluating, and adjusting lessons / work plans as appropriate for students with literacy needs.

·        Liaise sensitively and effectively with parents and carers and participate in feedback meetings with parents under the teacher’s supervision.

·        Assist the literacy lead and SENDCo in the development, monitoring and review of pupil profiles.

·        Attend specific training as and when required or requested by the literacy lead

·        Assist in student supervision and management of student behaviour, in line with school procedures.

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·        Monitor and evaluate students’ responses to learning activities, their engagement with and progress through reading intervention programmes.

·        Prepare learning spaces as directed for lessons and clear afterwards. Assist with the display of students’ work.

·        Ensure the timely and accurate design, preparation, and use of specialist equipment / resources / materials.

·        Administer and assess routine assessments, undertake routine marking of students’ work, and accurately record achievement / progress.

·        Promote positive values, attitudes and good student behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encourage students to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

·        Administer and contribute to the invigilation of examinations as required.

·        Keep accurate records of all lesson outcomes, including daily intervention notes.

·        Administer assessments for students at the end of each programme, recording assessment outcomes as per the guidelines set out in the intervention programme.

·        Provide challenge and support to students, managing their behaviour, attitude and motivation to maximise student progress.

·        Ensure that all materials once used are returned and filed correctly for ready access by other team members.

·        Ensure that all materials requiring photocopying, laminating or reproduction are produced and filed in a timely manner.

·        Maintain the learning environment as calm, clean, tidy and attractive to promote students’ security and enjoyment of lessons.

·        Engage in continuing professional development through the internal CPD and opportunities for external CPD as directed.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties which are broadly in line with the key responsibilities above. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and updated from time to time in line with requirements.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and individually take responsibility for doing so.