Teaching Assistant

Avonside School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A new educational institution in Bristol is seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants to support pupils with complex learning needs. This role involves building positive relationships, assisting in lesson delivery, and maintaining an inclusive classroom. The ideal candidates will be passionate and resilient, ready to make a positive impact in children's lives. Exceptional benefits, including a 4-Day Working Week trial and comprehensive wellbeing support, are offered.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work schemes

Flexible benefits platform

Qualifications

• Passionate about supporting pupils with autism and additional learning needs.
• Previous experience in a SEND environment is advantageous.
• Committed to safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in delivering inclusive learning experiences.
• Maintain a positive classroom environment for pupils with SEMH.
• Assist with planning and record-keeping.

Skills

Supporting pupils with autism

Building positive relationships

Collaborative teamwork

Adaptability

Job description

As part of our continued growth, Avonside School – a new Acorn Education provision – is seeking dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our passionate team in Brislington, Bristol.

Opened in August 2025 with a capacity for 72 pupils, Avonside is a co‑educational specialist school designed to meet the needs of children and young people with complex learning profiles, including SEMH and autism. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a fresh, forward‑thinking school from an early stage in its journey.

Here, every member of staff plays a part in creating a safe, inclusive environment where pupils are understood, supported, and inspired to thrive.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll work closely with class teachers and tutors to provide consistent, person‑centred support for pupils. You'll help deliver structured, engaging lessons while building positive relationships that nurture confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers in delivering high‑quality, inclusive learning experiences
• Help maintain a positive classroom environment that meets the needs of pupils with autism and SEMH
• Organise resources, displays, and student groupings to encourage engagement and curiosity
• Assist with planning, record‑keeping, and reviewing pupil progress
• Contribute to documentation such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Promote pupils' personal, educational, and social development
• Use and maintain equipment and resources safely and effectively
• Support pupil wellbeing on and off site in line with risk assessments
• Create or adapt learning resources and teaching aids when required
• Work collaboratively as part of a multi‑professional team, building strong working relationships with colleagues

Qualities & Experience

• Passionate about supporting pupils with autism, SEMH, or additional learning needs
• Patient, flexible, and creative in their approach
• Able to build positive, trusting relationships
• Confident working as part of a collaborative team
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and high‑quality care
• Resilient, proactive, and motivated to help every child reach its full potential
• Previous experience in a SEND environment is advantageous, but above all we value attitude, empathy, and a genuine desire to help young people grow

If you’re ready to make a real difference and help shape a supportive environment where every pupil feels valued and empowered, we’d love to hear from you.

Work Life Balance

At Outcomes First Group we believe in better work/life balance – and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while still receiving your full‑time pay.

Why Join Acorn Education?

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 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
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100+ 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.