Higher Level Teaching Assistant

TES FE News; North East; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A newly established educational institution in County Durham is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support teachers in providing education for pupils with autism. The role requires a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning and involves leading lessons and contributing to lesson planning. Join a dedicated team and make a positive impact on vulnerable pupils' lives.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible benefits package

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent).
• Have experience working with SEN pupils in a school setting.
• Calm, confident, and resilient in the face of challenges.
• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider education team.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning in individual and small group settings.
• Lead lessons when required, in line with planning and pupil needs.
• Support pupils with autism and complex needs.

Skills

Experience with SEN pupils

Calm and confident demeanor

Ability to lead small groups

Education

Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Job description

Overview

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy! We are excited to announce the opening of a brand-new Options Autism school in County Durham, designed to provide exceptional education and support for pupils with a variety of needs, including Autism.

Job Role: Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Salary: £26,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Location: Trimdon Hill School, Trimdon Grange, Durham, TS29 6EY

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon/Wed 8.30am-5pm; Tue/Thu 8.30am-4.30pm; Friday 8.30am-4pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

Start Date: October 2025

UK Applicants: This role does not offer sponsorship.

Enjoy a rewarding career in education and make a real impact on pupils’ lives. Join an amazing team creating supportive, enriching classrooms where vulnerable pupils achieve far more than they ever expected.

The Opportunity

As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting Teachers to deliver engaging and creative lessons tailored to the needs of our pupils—helping to maximise their achievement, independence, and confidence.

You Will:

• Support teaching and learning in individual and small group settings
• Lead lessons when required, in line with planning and pupil needs
• Contribute to lesson preparation and planning, including developing resources and opportunities for learning both in school and out-of-school contexts
• Support pupils with autism and complex learning, communication, and sensory needs
• Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to create a positive and effective learning environment

Who We’re Looking For

We Welcome Candidates Who:

• Hold a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent)
• Have experience working with SEN pupils in a school setting
• Are calm, confident, and resilient in the face of challenges
• Can work independently and collaboratively as part of a wider education team
• Are confident leading lessons or small groups when required

Our schools are built on great teamwork and mutual support. If you enjoy working as part of a dedicated team, sharing knowledge, experience, and learning, we encourage you to apply.

Essential:

• Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent)
• Full UK Driving Licence

About Us

Trimdon Hill School, located in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, is a brand-new school that opened in June 2025. The school caters for 40 pupils aged 4 to 11 years with a diagnosis of autism, who may also have a range of complex learning needs, communication challenges, and sensory difficulties.

For over 16 years, Options Autism has provided high-quality care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading the sector in delivering innovative approaches that provide measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Market-leading Benefit Offering Through Our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, Enables You To Choose The Package That’s Right For You, Including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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