Teaching Assistant

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people? At Ormston School in Headingley, Leeds, we are looking for passionate Teaching Assistants to join our supportive community starting in April 2026. This is your chance to develop your career while helping students thrive!

Located in the vibrant area of Headingley, our school provides a safe and nurturing environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and new resources, you will have the opportunity to shape a supportive atmosphere that promotes self-discipline, engagement, and inspires learning.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over 15 SEN schools across the UK, we work collaboratively to offer tailored, diverse education in a safe environment. We are proud 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 concerns, collaborating with other staff to meet pupils' needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom time, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work where appropriate and provide marking support.
• Build positive relationships with your pupil(s) to drive interaction and positive learning outcomes.

To thrive in this role, you should:

• Have a strong educational background, ideally to A-level, with a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics.
• Possess sound IT skills and previous experience as a Teaching Assistant.
• Have experience working with pupils with SEMH in an educational setting.
• Be confident in taking on additional responsibilities, such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Be experienced in behavior management techniques.
• Be committed to your professional development and eager to learn.
• Be willing 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 development through a variety of professional opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching.
• A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

Join us in our mission to provide a safe and inspiring educational environment. We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably 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.