Teaching assistant in Gildersome

Do you want to make a lasting, tangible difference in the lives of young people every single day? Are you motivated by seeing a student suddenly grasp a complex concept after struggling with it? Are you looking for a fulfilling, stable career path within education rather than just another standard desk job?

This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated Secondary Teaching Assistant to secure a full-time position starting in September. The successful candidate will act as a pivotal anchor within the classroom, bridging the gap between teaching staff and students aged 11-16. The role involves providing essential academic scaffolding and compassionate pastoral care, working closely with individuals or small groups who require extra assistance to unlock their full potential. This position is ideal for someone looking to immerse themselves in a high-achieving academic culture while developing a profound baseline of experience for a long-term career in education.

Situated in the vibrant city of Leeds, this forward-thinking secondary school is highly regarded for its commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and ambitious environment for both students and staff. The school prides itself on its high-expectation policies and excellent pastoral care, ensuring that every young person – regardless of their background or learning capabilities – feels valued and encouraged. With a deeply collaborative staff culture and a community-driven ethos, the school provides an exceptional, modern campus where professionals are given the tools, respect, and collaborative environment required to truly flourish.

Job Requirements

• Relevant Experience: Previous UK experience working with children or young adults within an educational, youth work, or childcare setting.
• A current Enhanced Child DBS registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to apply for one).
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Professional Conduct: A commitment to maintaining professional boundaries and adhering strictly to school policies and privacy compliance.

Essential Skills

• Patience and Empathy: The natural ability to remain calm and understanding when supporting teenagers through academic or emotional challenges.
• Strong Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills to articulate concepts clearly to students and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
• Adaptability: The capacity to pivot quickly between different subjects, classrooms, and varying student learning paces.
• Active Listening: Truly hearing and understanding student concerns to diagnose learning gaps or pastoral needs accurately.
• Behavioural De-escalation: Strong classroom presence and the ability to diffuse disruptive behaviour constructively.
• Time Management: Excellent organisational skills to balance grading support, resource preparation, and student intervention schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• One-on-One Support: Delivering tailored, targeted academic assistance to individual students with diverse learning needs.
• Small-Group Interventions: Leading focused breakout sessions to boost literacy, numeracy, and core subject comprehension.
• Resource Preparation: Assisting class teachers with the creation, organisation, and distribution of learning materials and presentations.
• Behavioural Management: Monitoring the classroom to identify issues and managing student behaviour in line with school policies.
• Progress Tracking: Monitoring student development, keeping accurate records, and providing detailed feedback to the department.
• Inclusive Scaffolding: Fostering a supportive environment tailored specifically for SEND and EAL (English as an Additional Language) students.
• Exam Assistance: Supporting students during formal assessments and mock exams by acting as an official reader or scribe.
• Classroom Maintenance: Arranging furniture, setting up specialised learning equipment, and creating engaging wall displays of student work.
• Supervision Duties: Ensuring student safety and well-being during break times, lunches, and scheduled extracurricular activities.
• Staff Collaboration: Attending mandatory department meetings, training days, and briefing sessions to continuously align with school goals.

What We Offer:

• A supportive, collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of students.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A Refer a Friend scheme where you could earn a £300 Love2shop voucher (subject to terms and conditions).

Could this be the ideal role for you? Click "Apply Now" to submit your application for the role of a Secondary Teaching Assistant. For more information, please contact leeds@randstadeducation.co.uk or call 01132462500 to speak to the secondary team.