School Assistant

Position Description

Under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Principal, and in close collaboration with Heads of Department, the other School Assistant(s), teachers, and learning assistants, you will be expected to manage and coordinate both non-structured times of the school day and the school’s after-school care programme including ensuring the appropriate health and safety measures are in place at all times, as well as carrying out the professional duties and responsibilities of school assistants as outlined in the subsequent sections.

• Main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
• At all times, ensuring the health and safety of children during break and lunch times and those attending the after-school care programme by means of scheduling and close monitoring of break and lunch time canteen, playtime, and after-school care provision
• At all times, ensuring that equipment and space are safe and appropriate to use, with these properly stored/maintained and this including timely notification being made to the Deputy Principal and/or Heads of Department, as well as the facilities team of any repairs and maintenance required
• Creating an organized ASC programme involving both planning and providing children with suitably appropriate, engaging, and structured activities and games for use in both indoor and outdoor settings
• Training and monitoring new staff in implementing the ASC programme to expected levels
• Establishing and maintaining a clear set of after-school care rules and procedures aligned with the school’s behaviour policy and ensuring staff, families, and children know, understand, and consistently practice these day-to-day
• Ordering, monitoring, and providing a variety of light snacks for the children attending the after-school care programme ensuring that all allergies or dietary needs are considered, to the extent possible
• Providing basic First Aid and CPR when/if necessary and taking all appropriate levels of action if further medical attention is required
• Maintaining accurate and current daily attendance records and communicating these to the admin team, with these ensuring all after-school care attendees are fully accounted for each day from arrival/drop off to pick up
• Establishing arrival/drop off and pick up protocols are in place, and ensuring these are clearly communicated and consistently followed by children, parents/caregivers, and staff
• Establishing all safety protocols (in alignment with the school’s Fire, Tsunami, Earthquake and Intruder policies) are in place and understood, ensuring these are clearly communicated and consistently followed by children, parents/caregivers, and staff
• Providing timely and clear communications to school leadership (Deputy Principal and/or Heads of Department) and parents/caregivers in the case of an emergency or accident
• Providing high-quality pastoral care to children across the school and in accordance with school policies including those of safeguarding and child protection
• Cultivating a sense of community and school spirit based on mutual respect, appreciation, trust and support where people value individuality while being drawn to become an integral part of something bigger than themselves
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships and effective partnerships with parents/caregivers in support of children’s achievements and to enhance the sense of community
• Other Responsibilities:
• Attending all required school meetings and events inclusive of those held outside of the regular school day
• Assisting with monitoring and supervising children during events held within the school day including assemblies, sports days, and safety drills
• Supporting the implementation of the school’s QA (Quality Assurance) processes as part of our commitment to ongoing improvement
• Attending and actively engaging with school directed CPD; with the support of your line manager, assume responsibility for advancing agreed upon individualized professional development
• Always maintaining strict confidentiality with regards to the sharing of student information and with private school matters
• Support the aims, values and ethos of the school particularly with modelling the school’s expectations
• Assist with various duties as assigned by the Principal and in accordance with the needs of the school
• Safeguarding Responsibilities:
• Attend all safeguarding meetings and trainings required both by the school and by the Cayman Islands Government to ensure theoretical and procedural knowledge is current and correct
• Always supporting and ensuring the safety and well-being of the children in the school
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries in relationships with children and with all members of the school community, including external agencies and providers
• Always exercising sound professional judgment focusing on the best interests of the students and the school
• Presenting a consistently positive image of the school and uphold public trust and confidence

Qualifications, Experience and Skills required for the advertised position include:

• A High School Diploma or an equivalent level of education (e.g. a minimum of 5 GCSEs including maths and English at Grade C or above) and preferably a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in a primary school environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, particularly in supporting effective and collaborative team development with a variety of school stakeholders
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to complete this training
• Current Child Protection and safeguarding certification or willingness to complete this training
• Food handling safety certificate or willingness to complete this course
• Proficiency in using a range of technology, particularly iPads and Laptops, and in using a range of Microsoft Products, particularly Word, Excel and Teams
• Proficiency in both written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organization, presentation and time-management skills