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 passionate about making a difference 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 environment!

About The Olive Frances School

Located in the heart of Banbury, 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 atmosphere where every child feels valued 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

In this rewarding position, 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 activities, including extracurricular events and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work and mark assignments where appropriate.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to drive engagement and 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.
• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant.
• Experience working with pupils with SEMH in an educational setting.
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas like Food Hygiene, Forest School, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behavior management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• A valid driving license and your own transport.
• A readiness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

What We Offer You

At Polaris Education, we value the emotional health and well-being of our staff. Here’s what you can expect:

• A workplace that prioritizes your well-being.
• Support for your professional development through various opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
• A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff to share this commitment.