VI Specialist Support Assistant

The Children's Sensory and Physical Needs Service is a large, enthusiastic, and dynamic team of specialists providing teaching and support for deaf, vision impaired and MSI children and young people. We work with four schools that host a Local Authority Led Resourced Provision across the Bradford local authority. We also work with pupils who attend other education facilities through our Outreach Teams.
Role Description

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated colleague to join our team of professionals to work with children with vision impairment at Grove House Primary and Hanson Academy, in the Local Authority Resourced provisions (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. The LARPs supports up to 20 children with severe vision impairment, many of whom use braille and tactile methods for their learning, and a wide range of specialist ICT.
The posts will be to work across the age range, as all our staff are flexible and can be required to move classes as required. However, experience of working with younger children (Foundation / KS1) will be advantageous for one post.
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.
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 one of the LARPs, you can be moved to alternative provisions if required.

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Equal Opportunities
We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.
The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.