Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £21,257 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Burnley, Lancashire

Are you ready to make a difference? At our new school in Burnley, we’re building a supportive and nurturing community dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our pupils. This is your chance to develop your career while positively impacting the lives of children and young people!

Located in the heart of Burnley, our school accommodates up to 48 pupils aged 5 to 18 with a range of complex needs. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our holistic approach ensures that academic progress goes hand-in-hand with emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. We are proud that 100% of our education 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 mark assignments.
• 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 like 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 Polaris Community, we value the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone, including you! 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 in a safe environment.
• A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will 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.