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’re 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 students in a nurturing environment.

Located in the heart of Headingley, our school provides a safe and supportive space for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investments and new resources, you’ll play a key role in shaping an environment that promotes self-discipline, engagement, and a love for learning.

As part of the Polaris Community, we’ve been transforming the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over 15 SEN schools across the UK, we’re proud to offer tailored education that inspires achievement. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 100% Ofsted rating of Good or Outstanding.

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 needed.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to foster 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, such as Food Hygiene or Forest School.
• Skills in behaviour management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• A readiness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Join us and enjoy:

• A workplace that prioritizes emotional health and wellbeing for everyone.
• Support for your professional growth through diverse training opportunities.
• The 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 complete an enhanced DBS Check, with costs covered by Polaris Community.

At Polaris Community, we celebrate diversity 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.