Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £21,257 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Headingley, Leeds
Start Date: April 2026

Are you ready to be part of a vibrant and nurturing community dedicated to helping young people thrive? If so, Ormston School in Leeds is the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a meaningful impact. We are excited to welcome new Teaching Assistants to our secondary class starting in April 2026!

Located in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, our school provides a safe and supportive environment for students aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to shape a learning space that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and inspiration.

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 collaborate to deliver tailored, diverse education in a safe and encouraging environment. We take pride in our track record, with 100% of our inspected services 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 enhance interaction 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 solid 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 in areas like Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behavior management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• A readiness 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 growth through a variety of development programs.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality education.
• A friendly and 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.

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