Teaching Assistant

Join Our Team at Polaris Children's Services - Barraclough School!

Position: Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only

Salary: £21,257 - £23,232.69

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Location: Huddersfield

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people? If you’re looking for a supportive and nurturing community where you can grow your career, our new school in Leeds is the perfect place for you!

About Us

Located in Huddersfield, our school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 7 to 18 years. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to help shape a school culture that promotes self-discipline, engagement, and inspires learning.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Our six SEN schools across the UK work collaboratively to offer tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe environment. We are proud that 100% of our inspected 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.
• 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.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work where appropriate and mark assignments.
• 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 a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics, along with sound IT skills.
• 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, Lunchtimes, 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

Join us and enjoy:

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone, including you!
• Support for your professional development through a variety of opportunities.
• 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.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which will be covered by Polaris Community.

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.