Teaching Assistant

Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant at The Olive Frances School!

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people? At The Olive Frances School in Banbury, we are looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our supportive and nurturing community. This is your chance to develop your career while helping our pupils achieve their very best!

About Us

Located in the heart of Banbury, Oxfordshire, our school caters to up to 84 pupils aged 5 to 18 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 well-being and personal growth.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been passionately 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 and help with lesson planning.
• 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.
• Set work where appropriate and mark assignments.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to drive interaction 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 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, 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.

What We Offer

At The Olive Frances School, we value the emotional health and well-being of our staff. Here’s what you can expect:

• A supportive workplace that prioritizes your well-being.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition.
• The chance to make a significant contribution to the lives of vulnerable children.
• A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.

If you’re ready to embark on a rewarding journey with us, we encourage you to apply! Join us in making a difference in the lives of our pupils.

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.