At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and mentor pupils, assist teachers, and create engaging learning experiences.
- Company: Join a nurturing community dedicated to improving young lives at Polaris Education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, experience as a Teaching Assistant, and a passion for education.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team committed to emotional wellbeing and lifelong learning.
The predicted salary is between 20422 - 23232 £ per year.
Polaris Education - Stannard School, Dunstable
Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only
Salary: £20,422 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Stannard School, Dunstable
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 Dunstable 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 Us
Located in Dunstable, approximately 2 miles from the M1, 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 ten 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.
Teaching Assistant in Dunstable employer: Polaris
Contact Detail:
Polaris Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Dunstable
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Polaris Education or similar schools. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing the school’s mission and values inside out. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit, but the perfect match for their supportive community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for education! During interviews, share specific examples of how we’ve positively impacted students in the past. It’s all about demonstrating our commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the Polaris Community.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Dunstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our supportive community!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in pupils' lives!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description, especially around supporting pupils and liaising with teachers. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in mentoring, behaviour management, and working with pupils with SEMH needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school's approach to professional development or how they support their staff's wellbeing. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of a supportive community.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! The school is looking for someone who can build positive relationships with pupils. Let your personality shine through during the interview, and don’t hesitate to share why you’re passionate about making a difference in children's lives.