Teaching Assistant

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

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 is the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.

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, all with a range of complex needs. We believe in creating a positive and empowering environment where every child feels valued and respected. 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 to share 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:

• 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 provide feedback through marking.
• Build positive relationships with your 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 at least 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 valid driving license and your own transport.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, term-time only position with a salary ranging from £21,257.48 to £23,232.69. You will enjoy a supportive work environment that prioritizes the emotional health and well-being of everyone.

What We Offer

• A commitment to your professional development with opportunities to acquire new skills.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching.
• A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.
• Benefits including a company pension, life assurance, and an employee discount scheme.

At Polaris Community, we are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all 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.

Join us in making a difference!