Make a difference every day – join our fantastic team at Orchard Head!
We are looking for a committed and caring Classroom Assistant to join our team at Orchard Head J, I & N School. This role includes providing classroom support and targeted assistance to a visually‑impaired member of teaching staff, helping to remove visual barriers so teaching and learning can take place safely, effectively and inclusively.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys working with children, is highly observant, and values teamwork, professionalism and inclusion.
The Role
As a Classroom Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff to support learning and wellbeing in the classroom and around the school. A key element of this post is providing visual awareness and support to a visually impaired teacher, ensuring they are informed of visual cues and potential hazards they cannot easily see.
You will also provide general classroom support to pupils, helping to create a positive, safe and engaging learning environment.
This post is funded through Access to Work and includes both staff and pupil support responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Targeted Classroom Support
- Provide clear verbal descriptions of visual cues such as raised hands, pupil engagement, behaviour or practical demonstrations.
- Observe and communicate pupil behaviour discreetly so the teacher can respond effectively.
- Monitor the classroom and wider school environment for safety hazards and support safe movement around school.
- Support lessons that involve movement or equipment to ensure safe practice.
- Be alert to safeguarding concerns, pupil wellbeing and emotional needs, following school procedures.
General Classroom Assistant Duties
- Support pupils individually or in small groups during lessons.
- Prepare resources, set up activities and assist with practical tasks.
- Help maintain calm, positive behaviour and reinforce expectations.
- Supervise pupils during transitions, breaktimes and lunchtimes as required.
- Support classroom organisation, tidiness and display work.
- Assist with administrative and organisational tasks to support lesson delivery.
- Attend training, meetings and briefings and contribute to the wider life of the school.
Contract details:
- Fixed term with an end date of 21 July 2028
- 27.5 hours per week
- Term time + 2 days (192 working days per year)
- Working pattern of Monday to Friday 09:00 – 15:30
Ready to apply?
To apply, complete an application form via our website.
About Orchard Head J, I & N School
Orchard Head is a caring and friendly school where children are polite, enthusiastic and lovely to work with. We’re proud of our strong academic results, but just as proud of the warm, supportive atmosphere that helps every child grow in confidence and enjoy their time at school.
Our staff often talk about how valued and supported they feel, and how positive and welcoming the school community is. Orchard Head is a place where teamwork really matters and where everyone plays a part in helping children have the best school experience.
If you enjoy working with children and want to join a kind, supportive team, Orchard Head is a fantastic place to be.
For further information about our school, please visit our website.
What can we offer you?
Be part of a team that values your wellbeing, development and work–life balance. As a member of our school community, you’ll benefit from:
- Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
- Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing
- For the 2025/26 academic year, we have provided staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days, the next is on Monday 20 July 2026. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals
- Generous employer pension- West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS
- Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 26 days annual leave, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service – plus 8 statutory bank holidays),
- Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Blue Light Card
- Discounted gym membership
- Free eyecare via Specsavers
- Childcare vouchers
- Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
- Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
- Free flu vaccinations.
You can find more information about staff benefits and what it’s like to work with us in the ‘Working for Us’ booklet and on our website.
About Pontefract Academies Trust
Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase multi-academy trust comprising of nine local schools: seven primary and two secondary, committed to providing the very best education for our children.
We are also excited to be merging with Ark Schools on 1 September 2026. This partnership will strengthen the support we offer our pupils and staff, while creating new opportunities for collaboration and professional development across both trusts. Please click here to find out more about the Pontefract Academies Trust and Ark Schools merger.
We are proud of the positive culture across our schools. In the 2025 Edurio Staff Survey, we were ranked in the top 10 trusts nationally for staff satisfaction and received several awards recognising our supportive and values‑driven working environment. Our staff tell us they feel valued, listened to and part of a team that makes a real difference every day.
We’re excited for the future and hope you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.
Further information
Contact us on 01977 723495 or email recruitment@orchardhead.patrust.org.uk