Teaching Assistant

Polaris Community; Burnley; On-site; GBP 21,257 - 23,232; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Job summary

Polaris Community Burnley is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils with various needs in a caring, protective environment. You will mentor one pupil or a small group, assist teachers in lessons, and track progress while liaising with staff to ensure pupils' needs are met.

The role requires GCSEs in English and Maths, a strong basic education, and prior experience with SEMH pupils. DBS check is mandatory, with professional development opportunities and a supportive team ethos.

Qualifications

• Strong basic education, ideally to A-level, with GCSEs in English and Maths and sound IT skills.
• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or similar role.
• Experience with SEMH pupils in an educational setting.
• Willingness to take additional school-area responsibilities (e.g. Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes).
• Experience of behaviour management and techniques.
• Committed to professional development and learning.
• Willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check before starting work.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group of up to six pupils.
• Support the classroom teacher during lessons.
• Report on pupils' progress and concerns; liaise with staff to meet pupils' needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom time, including activities and trips.
• Assist with lesson planning and classroom preparation, set work and marking.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to drive engagement and learning outcomes.

Skills

Mentoring

Behaviour management

Pupil support

IT skills

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

A-level (preferred)

Job description

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.