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 are looking for dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our vibrant community starting in April 2026. Here, you’ll have the chance to grow your career while supporting our students in achieving their best!

Located in the heart of Headingley, our school provides a safe and nurturing environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investments and new resources, you will play a key role in shaping 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 education in a safe 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.
• Monitor and report on pupils' progress, collaborating 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 and mark work as appropriate.
• Build 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 like Food Hygiene, Forest School, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behavior management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

We believe in supporting our staff just as much as our students. Here’s what you can expect:

• A workplace that prioritizes emotional health and wellbeing.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition.
• A chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
• 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.

At Polaris Community, we are proud to be 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.