Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Huddersfield Full-Time 20422 - 22161 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support and mentor pupils, assist teachers, and supervise during activities.
  • Company: Join Polaris Children's Services, dedicated to improving young lives for over 30 years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: A-level education or equivalent, with GCSEs in English and Maths; teaching assistant experience preferred.
  • Other info: Enhanced DBS check required, cost covered by the company.

The predicted salary is between 20422 - 22161 Β£ per year.

Polaris Children's Services - Barraclough School

Contract: 12 month Fixed Term - Full-Time Term Time Only

Salary: Β£20,422 - Β£22,160.57

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Location: Huddersfield

Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its pupils? If so, our new school in Leeds could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

About the School

Located in Huddersfield, Leeds, our new school offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils from 7 to 18 years old. With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the school to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, engagement, and inspires learning. Our mission is to provide each pupil with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have several SEN Schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning, and encourages achievement. We’re also incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role responsibilities:

  • Dedicated to mentoring and supporting one pupil or else a small group of no more than six pupils
  • Supporting the Classroom Teacher during lessons
  • Reporting on pupils' progress and concerns, and liaising with other School staff to ensure pupils needs are met
  • Supervision of pupils during non-classroom time including extra-curricular activities and school trips
  • Assisting with lesson planning and classroom preparation
  • Setting work where appropriate, and marking
  • Building positive relationships with your pupil/s and driving interaction and positive learning outcomes

Requirements:

  • Have a strong basic education, ideally to A-level, with a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics, and sound IT skills.
  • Previous experience in a similar role i.e., Teaching Assistant
  • Some previous experience of working with pupils with SEMH within an Educational setting
  • Be experienced and confident enough to take additional responsibility in an area of school i.e., Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, School Yoga etc.
  • Experience of behaviour management and techniques
  • Committed to professional development and willing to learn
  • Must be willing to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to commencing work.

What we offer:

  • A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
  • A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
  • An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high quality teaching in a safe educational provision
  • A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, cost of which will be met by Polaris Community. Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

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Contact Detail:

Polaris Community Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) challenges. Understanding these needs will help you demonstrate your ability to support and mentor effectively during the interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Research Polaris Children's Services and their approach to education. Being able to discuss their values and how they align with your own during the interview will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples from your previous experience that highlight your skills in behaviour management and supporting diverse learning needs. This will help you illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former staff members at Polaris Community if possible. They can provide insights into the school culture and expectations, which can be invaluable for tailoring your approach during the application process.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

Strong Communication Skills
Empathy and Patience
Behaviour Management Techniques
Experience with SEMH Pupils
Lesson Planning Assistance
Classroom Preparation
Supervision Skills
Ability to Build Positive Relationships
IT Proficiency
Commitment to Professional Development
Adaptability
Team Collaboration
Report Writing Skills
Understanding of Child Development

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Polaris Children's Services is looking for.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience you have as a Teaching Assistant or in similar roles. Mention specific instances where you supported pupils, managed behaviour, or contributed to lesson planning.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to include your qualifications, especially your GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics. If you have additional skills like IT proficiency or experience in areas such as Food Hygiene or Forest School, be sure to mention these as they can set you apart.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for education and your commitment to supporting vulnerable children. Use this opportunity to explain why you want to work at Polaris Children's Services and how you can contribute to their mission.

How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community

✨Show Your Passion for Education

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and your commitment to their learning. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past.

✨Demonstrate Behaviour Management Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with behaviour management techniques. Provide examples of how you've successfully handled challenging situations in the classroom or during extracurricular activities.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

Discuss any previous roles that relate to being a Teaching Assistant, especially those involving special educational needs (SEN). Mention any specific training or certifications you have that would be beneficial for the role.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to education and support for pupils. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if the school is the right fit for you.

Teaching Assistant
Polaris Community
Location: Huddersfield

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