Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant!
Contract: Full-time, term-time only
Salary: £21,257 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? If so, our vibrant school community is the perfect place for you to grow your career while positively impacting the lives of our pupils!
About Us
Located in the heart of Ipswich, our school is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for up to 30 pupils aged 5 to 18 with complex needs. We believe in nurturing every child's potential, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and empowered. Our holistic approach balances academic progress with emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
As part of the Polaris Community, we are proud to be associated with a network of schools across the UK that are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. For over 30 years, we have been committed to improving the lives of young people.
Your Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a crucial role in our pupils' 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
* Monitoring and reporting on pupils' progress and concerns
* Supervising pupils during non-classroom activities, including extracurricular events and school trips
* Helping with lesson planning and classroom preparation
* Setting and marking work as needed
* Building positive relationships to foster engagement and learning
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 like Food Hygiene, Forest School, or School Yoga
* Skills in behavior management and techniques
* A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn
* Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check
What We Offer You
We believe in creating a supportive workplace that values everyone’s emotional health and wellbeing. Here’s what you can expect:
* 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
* 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.
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, and expect all staff to share this commitment.