Teaching Assistant

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

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 develop your career, then our new school in Banbury is the perfect place for you!

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 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:

• 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 pupils’ 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 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 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

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, including you!

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.

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 creating a brighter future for our pupils!