Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £20,422.00 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Headingley, Leeds
Start Date: April 2026

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? If so, Ormston School in Leeds is the perfect place for you! We are on the lookout for dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our vibrant community and help shape the future of our students starting in April 2026.

Located in the heart of Headingley, our school provides a safe and nurturing environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to help create a supportive atmosphere that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and a love for learning.

As part of the Polaris Community , we have been transforming the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over 15 SEN schools across the UK, we are proud to offer tailored, diverse education in a safe environment. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the fact that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group of no more than six pupils.
• Assist the classroom teacher during lessons.
• Report on pupils' progress and collaborate with staff to meet their needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom activities, including extracurricular events and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work and mark assignments as needed.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to drive engagement and learning outcomes.

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• A strong educational background, ideally to A-level, with at least GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics.
• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or in a similar role.
• Experience working with pupils with SEMH in an educational setting.
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behaviour management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

At Ormston School, we value the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff. Here’s what you can expect:

• A supportive workplace that prioritizes your wellbeing.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality education.
• A friendly, inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS Check, with the cost covered by Polaris Community.

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.