Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-time, term-time only
Salary: £20,422 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Andover, Hants

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

Welcome to Lyttelton House School, located in the heart of Andover, Hampshire! We cater to up to 60 pupils aged 5 to 18 years with a range of complex needs, providing a safe and supportive environment. Our mission is to foster a positive atmosphere where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe in a holistic approach that balances academic progress with emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. We take pride in our track record, with 100% of our education 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 pupils' 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 mark assignments.
• 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.
• 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.
• Knowledge of behavior management 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.

• A workplace that prioritizes the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone, including you!
• Support for your professional development through a variety of training opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives and lifelong learning 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 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.