Teaching Assistant with Pastoral Mentoring Responsibilities

Role Overview

We invite applications for a Teaching Assistant position at The Progress Group's Progress Schools, located in Progress Valley, Southland, New Zealand. This role is integral to supporting both the academic and personal development of students through classroom assistance and pastoral care. The successful candidate will aid teachers in delivering interactive lessons, help accommodate diverse learning requirements, and cultivate a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere in classrooms.

Pastoral and Student Wellbeing Responsibilities

Beyond academic support, the postholder will serve a critical pastoral function by offering emotional guidance, monitoring student wellbeing closely, and fostering positive relationships to promote holistic growth and personal development.

Workplace Culture and Benefits

At Progress Schools, employee wellbeing is central to our ethos, reflecting our commitment to valuing the individual as much as their professional contribution. We offer a range of robust benefits, including discounted gym access, a complimentary wellbeing application featuring fitness, yoga, and mindfulness resources, and dedicated counseling services to support our staff. To alleviate paperwork burdens, we minimize unnecessary administration, allowing you to focus on supporting pupils.

We emphasize work-life balance by providing ample holiday entitlement, special leave for foster carers, and flexible work arrangements when feasible.

Additional Benefits

• Professional development opportunities including support for paid qualifications and comprehensive in-house training – with a previous investment of approximately £3,500 per employee annually
• Financial security options such as death in service insurance equaling four times the salary
• Family-friendly policies featuring enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Health and wellbeing cashback via Medicash, reimbursing costs for eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 per year for staff and dependents
• Recognition awards on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• A referral bonus of £500 for recruiting excellent new employees
• Exclusive offers through the MiRewards benefits platform
• Weekly engagement sessions with senior leadership
• An annual group conference and thorough benefits reviews

Candidate Requirements

• Proven ability to motivate and engage students while supporting their learning ambitions
• A genuine passion for positively impacting students’ emotional wellbeing
• Minimum academic qualification: GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C (or 4) or higher, or an equivalent qualification
• Familiarity with alternative educational provisions and experience supporting students with special education needs
• Prior experience working within an educational environment or related setting
• Strong professional communication skills with students and colleagues
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, safeguarding, student wellbeing, and British values

About The Employer

The Progress Group encompasses multiple business units dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality education and training. Progress Schools include 13 independently OFSTED-regulated institutions across England offering tailored education primarily for 11-16 year olds, aiming to support a successful transition back to mainstream schooling or progression to further education and employment.

Diversity, Safeguarding & Compliance

The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer, upholding inclusive hiring practices free from discrimination. Robust safeguarding procedures ensure protection for children and young people, reinforced by thorough recruitment standards. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.