Join Our Team at Polaris Education - Holdsworth School
Position: Teaching Assistant
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £20,422 - £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 being part of a supportive and nurturing community dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for its pupils.
About Us
Located in Burnley, Lancashire, our school accommodates up to 48 pupils aged 5 to 18 with a range of complex needs. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected, 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 dedicated to 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
As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in our students' 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.
* Reporting on pupils' progress and concerns, collaborating with other staff to meet pupils' needs.
* Supervising pupils during non-classroom time, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
* Helping with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
* Setting work and marking where appropriate.
* Building 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 at least 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 Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs 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 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 who deserve high-quality teaching.
* A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.
The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS Check, which will be covered by Polaris Community.
We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage 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.