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

At Ormston School in Leeds, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for our young people. If you're passionate about education and eager to contribute to a nurturing environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Located in the vibrant area of Headingley, our school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to shape a learning space that promotes self-discipline, engagement, and inspiration.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over 15 SEN schools across the UK, we work together to offer tailored, diverse education in a safe environment. We are proud that 100% of our inspected services have been 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 mark assignments.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to drive interaction and positive learning outcomes.

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• A strong educational background, ideally to A-level, with a minimum of 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.
• Experience in behavior management techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• A readiness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

We value the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff and offer:

• A supportive workplace that prioritizes your development through a variety of professional opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching.
• A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which will be 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.