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 you’re looking for a supportive and nurturing community, our new school in Banbury could be the perfect place for you to grow your career!

About The Olive Frances School

Located in the heart of Banbury, Oxfordshire, our school is designed to accommodate up to 84 pupils aged 5 to 18 years 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 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 and Responsibilities

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in our students' educational journey. 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.
• A valid driving license and your own transport.

Working Conditions and Benefits

We offer a full-time, term-time only contract with a competitive salary ranging from £21,257.48 to £23,232.69. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

• A workplace that prioritizes the emotional health and well-being of everyone.
• Support for your professional development through a variety of training opportunities.
• 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.

If you’re excited about the opportunity to make a difference and grow in a fulfilling role, we encourage you to apply! Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for our pupils.

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.