Teaching Assistant

Position: Teaching Assistant
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £21,257.48 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Stannard School, Dunstable
Start Date: September 2026

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

Located just 2 miles from the M1, our school provides a safe and encouraging environment for pupils aged 7 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to help shape a vibrant learning atmosphere that fosters self-discipline and engagement.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over fifteen SEN Schools across the UK, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe environment. We are thrilled 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 collaborate with 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 and mark assignments as needed.
• 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.
• 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 like Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behavior management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Join us and enjoy:

• A workplace that prioritizes the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone, including you!
• Support for your professional growth through a variety of development opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching.
• A friendly, inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will need 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.