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 ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people? At Ormston School in Leeds, we’re looking for passionate Teaching Assistants to join our vibrant community starting in April 2026. Here, you’ll have the chance to grow your career while helping students thrive!

Located in the heart of Headingley, our school provides a safe and nurturing environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investments and new resources, you’ll play a key role in shaping a supportive atmosphere that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and a love for learning.

As part of the Polaris Community, we’ve been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Our network includes over 15 SEN schools across the UK, all committed to delivering tailored, diverse education in a safe and encouraging environment. We’re proud to say 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 extracurriculars and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set and mark work as appropriate.
• 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, along with sound IT skills.
• 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, 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.
• A readiness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check before starting work.

In return for your dedication, we provide:

• A workplace that prioritizes the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone, including you!
• Support for your professional development through a variety of opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe environment.
• A friendly, inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.

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

At 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.