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Teaching Assistant, HARRIS FEDERATION
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Teaching Assistant, HARRIS FEDERATION
Teaching Assistant – Harris Academy Orpington
About the Academy
Harris Academy Orpington, opened in September 2016 as part of the highly successful Harris Federation academies in London, is committed to reaching outstanding standards. With a clear vision for its future—especially as a Health Science Specialist School—the academy provides students with access to professional qualifications and careers.
Work is undertaken to design an ambitious, broad curriculum fostering human creativity and achievement. A core principle at Harris Academy Orpington is that learning comes first, inspiring and supporting every student to achieve their personal best. We uphold the motto “Together We Can” and invite you to join us if you’re excited about our impact on students.
Summary of the Role
We are hiring Teaching Assistants to enable individuals and groups of students to access learning effectively, contributing to a purposeful, nurturing learning environment.
The role is open to both graduates and non-graduates.
Key responsibilities include assisting class teachers by supporting students in all curriculum areas, sharing knowledge of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and learning barriers. You’ll also be involved in preparing learning environments, liaising with parents, maintaining pupil records, and undertaking various administrative tasks.
Salary: £22,456 - £22,776 (08:15-15:45, term-time plus INSET days), paid pro-rata.
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Main Responsibilities
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Supervise and support identified children in 1:1, group, or whole class settings, ensuring their safety and access to learning
- Collaborate with class teachers to develop appropriate resources, schemes of work, and teaching strategies, tailored to meet the individual needs of supported students
- Assist in evaluating children’s progress through structured assessment activities
- Provide detailed, regular feedback to teachers on children’s achievement, progress, and learning needs
- Facilitate and lead small-group sessions and targeted interventions when required
Qualifications & Experience Required
Desirable:
- Experience working directly with young people in education, training, or related settings
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, including students, parents, and colleagues
- Strong capacity for managing workload effectively
While formal teaching qualifications are not mandatory, Willingness to join a teacher training programme may form part of future progression.
For detailed responsibilities and additional information, please download the full Job Pack.
Professional Development & Staff Benefits
We prioritise our staff’s growth by offering a rotational professional development culture, featuring:
- Coaching, mentoring, and bespoke training programs
- Career progression pathways
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Our benefits package goes further:
- Harris Allowance for teachers on Main Pay Scale/Upper Pay Scale
- Performance and Loyalty Bonus
- Pension scheme with substantial employer contributions
- Wellbeing Cash Plan
- Additional employee benefits (see detailed listing here: [website link])
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies uphold strict safeguarding policies. We ensure children and young people are protected and upheld. All candidates require submission of the following:
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- References
- Online search verification
- Where applicable, prohibition from teaching
Equal Opportunities Statement
The Harris Federation values and promotes equal opportunities for all suitably qualified applicants. We welcome diversity and ensure an inclusive, respectful, fair, and supportive learning and working environment.
Next Steps
If you have clarifying questions, send an email, and we will arrange a discussion.
To prepare your application:
- Review the full job pack for further details on responsibilities (Download: [Job Pack link required])
We encourage applicants to submit their applications as early as possible, given we may interview and make offers before the closing date. Applications must be submitted *via the careers portal.
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