Teaching Assistant

Pathways Teaching Assistant (Keyworker/Mentor)

Salary: £25,410 Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only plus 5 days Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Responsible to: Pathways Lead / Headteacher Location: Southern Cross School, Oldham, with travel across community and home settings Start Date: ASAP (Subject to availability)

Join Us at Southern Cross School

At Southern Cross School, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to feel safe, valued and successful. We are a specialist provision supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and our therapeutic approach is built on strong relationships, compassion and a commitment to helping every child achieve their potential.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, resilient and committed Pathways Teaching Assistant (Keyworker/Mentor) to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to work with some of our most vulnerable and hard-to-reach pupils, helping them re-engage with education, overcome barriers to learning and build positive futures.

Our newly expanded school and purpose-built therapeutic environment provide the ideal setting for staff who are passionate about making a genuine difference. We recognise that learning looks different for every child, and we are looking for someone who shares our belief that relationships are at the heart of positive change.

The Role

As a Pathways Teaching Assistant (Keyworker/Mentor), you will support pupils both within school and in community or home-based settings, working in the environment that best meets their individual needs. You will build trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced significant challenges in education and use these relationships as a foundation to improve engagement, attendance, wellbeing and learning. Working alongside teachers, therapists, families and external agencies, you will help pupils access personalised learning opportunities and develop the confidence, resilience and skills they need to succeed. The role includes delivering engaging activities linked to pupils' interests, before supporting them towards educational pathways including PSHE, sports, arts, creativity and accredited learning programmes. The curriculum follows ASDAN at Key Stage 3 and BTEC pathways at Key Stage 4, and full training and support will be provided.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a therapeutic, harmonious environment where pupils feel safe and secure enough to explore, enjoy learning and achieve their full potential. We aim to build a strong sense of community around every child and provide outstanding teaching, support and care that enables young people to develop confidence, emotional wellbeing and self-belief. We want every pupil to leave Southern Cross School with the knowledge, skills and resilience needed to lead happy, healthy and successful lives.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

Has experience working with children and young people, particularly those with SEMH needs or barriers to learning. Can build strong, positive and trusting relationships with pupils and families. Is confident working independently and using their own initiative. Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Can engage and motivate young people who may be reluctant to access education. Shares our commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and positive outcomes for all pupils. Has a positive, solution-focused and resilient approach.

Please note: This is a driving role. Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence, have access to a vehicle and hold appropriate business-use insurance.

Why Southern Cross School?

At Southern Cross School, relationships come first. We are proud of our supportive and welcoming culture and the strong sense of teamwork that exists across our school community. This role offers an opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people by helping them overcome challenges, develop confidence and reconnect with learning.

You will join a dedicated team that believes in seeing possibilities rather than limitations and works tirelessly to help every pupil thrive.

If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people, committed to building positive relationships and motivated by the opportunity to change lives, we would love to hear from you.

Come and join Southern Cross School and help shape brighter futures for our young people.