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 passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? At Ormston School in Leeds, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for our students. We are excited to invite dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our new secondary class starting in April 2026!

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 a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to help shape a supportive atmosphere that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and a love for learning.

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 are committed to delivering tailored, diverse, and appropriate 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 play a vital role in supporting our students. Your responsibilities will include:

• Mentoring and supporting one pupil or a small group of no more than six pupils.
• Assisting the classroom teacher during lessons.
• Monitoring pupils' progress and collaborating with staff to meet their needs.
• Supervising pupils during non-classroom activities, including extracurricular events and school trips.
• Helping with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Setting and marking work as appropriate.
• Building positive relationships with pupils to enhance their learning experience.

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 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.
• Willingness 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 development and skill acquisition.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality education.
• A friendly, inclusive team dedicated to 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 all qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.