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Polaris Community; Banbury; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Polaris Education is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join The Olive Frances School in Banbury. This full-time role is term-time only, offering a supportive environment for pupils aged 5–18 with diverse needs.

You will work closely with teachers to support learning, monitor progress, manage behaviour, and assist with planning and prep. A DBS check will be required and driving is encouraged. Polaris Community has been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C or higher.
• Previous Teaching Assistant experience in an educational setting.
• Experience with learners with SEMH is advantageous.
• Willingness to undergo DBS check and undertake professional development.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group up to six pupils.
• Assist the class teacher during lessons and activities.
• Report progress and concerns to staff and plan accordingly.
• Supervise pupils during breaks and trips and support prep.
• Contribute to lesson planning and marking where required.
• Foster positive relationships to encourage learning outcomes.

Skills

GCSE English/Maths

Teaching Assistant experience

IT skills

Behaviour management

Education

A-levels or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Polaris Education - The Olive Frances School, Banbury

Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire

Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our new school in Banbury could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

About the School

Located in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our School has the capacity for up to 84 pupils and offers safe and supportive environments for pupils from 5 to 18 years old with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well-being and personal growth.

Our School will form part of the Polaris Community who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, alongside our current growing portfolio of schools across the UK. We're incredibly proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role Responsibilities

• Dedicated to mentoring and supporting one pupil or else a small group of no more than six pupils
• Supporting the classroom teacher during lessons
• Reporting on pupils' progress and concerns, and liaising with other school staff to ensure pupils' needs are met
• Supervision of pupils during non-classroom time including extra-curricular activities and school trips
• Assisting with lesson planning and classroom preparation
• Setting work where appropriate and marking
• Building positive relationships with your pupil/s and driving interaction and positive learning outcomes

Requirements

• Have a strong basic education, ideally to A-level, with a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics, and sound IT skills
• Previous experience in a similar role, i.e., Teaching Assistant
• Some previous experience of working with pupils with SEMH within an educational setting
• Be experienced and confident enough to take additional responsibility in an area of school, i.e., Food Hygiene, Forest School, lunchtimes, School Yoga etc.
• Experience of behaviour management and techniques
• Committed to professional development and willing to learn
• Must be willing to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to commencing work
• It is essential that you drive and have your own transport

What We Offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
• A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.