Teaching Assistant

Polaris, company; Barley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Polaris Community in Burnley seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant for Holdsworth School to support pupils with complex needs. This full-time, term-time role focuses on mentoring small groups, aiding lessons, and monitoring progress.

You’ll work with a supportive team, enhance wellbeing, and contribute to high-quality learning in a safe environment. DBS check required; commitment to professional development and safeguarding is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong behaviour management skills and ability to support pupils individually or in small groups.
• Proficient in using IT for basic tasks and reporting progress.
• Experience in a classroom setting and working with pupils with SEMH is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group of up to six.
• Assist the classteacher during lessons and keep records of progress.
• Report concerns and liaise with staff to meet pupil needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom times and during trips.
• Contribute to lesson planning and prepare classroom resources.

Skills

Behaviour management

IT skills

Classroom support

Education

GCSE English and Maths (C or equivalent)

A-level preferred

Job description

Polaris Education - Holdsworth School Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only Salary: £21,257.48 - £23,232.69 Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme Location: Burnley, Lancashire

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 Burnley 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 Burnley, Lancashire, our school has the capacity for up to 48 pupils and offers a safe and supportive environment 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 wellbeing and personal growth. Our school forms 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 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 pupils 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

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

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, cost of which will be met by Polaris Community.

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.