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? If so, our new school in Banbury is the perfect place for you to grow your career in a supportive and nurturing community!

About The Olive Frances School

Located in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our school is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for up to 84 pupils 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 passionately improving 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.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting our pupils and enhancing their learning experience. 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 concerns, collaborating with other staff to meet pupils' needs.
• Supervising pupils during non-classroom time, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
• Assisting with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Setting work where appropriate and marking assignments.
• Building 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 Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, or School Yoga.
• Experience in behavior management techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

What We Offer You

At The Olive Frances School, we value the emotional health and well-being of our staff just as much as our pupils. 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 who deserve high-quality teaching.
• A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.

Join us in our mission to create a safe and enriching educational environment for all our pupils. We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!

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.