Teaching Assistant

Join Our Team at Polaris Education - Holdsworth 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: Burnley, Lancashire

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? If so, our new school in Burnley is the perfect place for you to grow your career while contributing to a supportive and nurturing community.

About Us

Located in Burnley, Lancashire, our school is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for up to 48 pupils aged 5 to 18 with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive atmosphere where every child feels valued and empowered. Our holistic approach ensures that academic progress goes hand-in-hand with emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been transforming 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, 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 and mark work as appropriate.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to enhance their learning experience.

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 Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behavior management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• A readiness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

What We Offer You

At Polaris Community, we value the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff. Here’s what you can expect:

• A supportive workplace that prioritizes your wellbeing.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
• A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, with the cost covered by 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.