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 while being part of a supportive and nurturing community dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for its pupils.

Located in the heart of Burnley, our school caters to up to 48 pupils aged 5 to 18 years with a range of complex needs. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, 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. With a growing portfolio of schools across the UK, we are proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in our students' educational journey. 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 time, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
• Helping with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Setting work and marking assignments as needed.
• Building positive relationships with pupils to foster engagement and positive 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 Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• 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 before starting work.

At Polaris, we believe in valuing the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff. Here’s what you can expect:

• A workplace that prioritizes your emotional health and wellbeing.
• Support for your professional development through a variety of opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives 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 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.