Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £20,422 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Burnley, Lancashire

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? If so, our new school in Burnley is the perfect place for you to grow your career in a supportive and nurturing environment!

Located in Burnley, Lancashire, our school is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for up to 48 pupils aged 5 to 18 with complex needs. We believe in creating a positive atmosphere where every child feels valued and empowered. Our holistic approach ensures that academic progress goes hand-in-hand with emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been transforming 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 play a crucial role in supporting our pupils. 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
• Reporting on 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 foster engagement and learning

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 Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, 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

At Polaris Community, 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
• 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.

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. Our commitment to safeguarding ensures that we promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.