Teaching Assistant

Join Our Team at Polaris Education - The Olive Frances School

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: Banbury, Oxfordshire

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 Banbury could be the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people.

About Us

Located in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our school accommodates up to 84 pupils, providing a safe and supportive environment for children aged 5 to 18 with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive atmosphere where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our holistic approach ensures that academic progress goes hand-in-hand with emotional well-being 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 are proud that 100% of our education services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Your Role

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 your pupils to drive engagement and positive learning outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

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.
• The 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.
• A readiness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

What We Offer

We believe in creating a workplace that values the emotional health and well-being of everyone, including you! Here’s what you can expect:

• A commitment to support your development through a variety of professional opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant contribution to 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.

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.