Teaching Assistant

Polaris Education - Stannard School, Dunstable
Position: Teaching Assistant
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £21,257.48 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Stannard School, Dunstable
Start Date: September 2026

Are you ready to be part of a supportive and nurturing environment that strives for the best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our new school in Dunstable could be the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people.

Located just 2 miles from the M1, our new school provides a safe and welcoming space for pupils aged 7 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to help shape a supportive environment that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and a love for learning.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over fifteen SEN Schools across the UK, we work collaboratively to offer tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe environment. We take pride in our achievements, 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 concerns, collaborating with other staff to meet their 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 feedback through marking.
• 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.
• Bring previous experience in a similar role, such as a Teaching Assistant.
• Have experience working with pupils with SEMH in an educational setting.
• Be confident in taking on additional responsibilities in areas like Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Possess experience in behavior management techniques.
• Be committed to professional development and eager to learn.
• Be willing to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

In return, 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 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 be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, with the cost covered by Polaris Community.

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.