Teaching Assistant

TES FE News; Burton-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Options Autism as a Teaching Assistant at Trent Acres and work towards making a real impact on the lives of pupils with autism. With a focus on fostering supportive environments, your role involves preparing learning materials and assisting with classroom activities. Enjoy the benefits of a 4-Day Working Week, life assurance, and a pension scheme while contributing to a leading independent specialist school.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with optional contributions

Access to mental health support

Flexible benefits packages

Qualifications

• Minimum GCSE Grade C/4 in English and Maths required.
• Adaptability to work in various classroom roles.
• Team player who enjoys supporting colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare learning materials and run classroom activities.
• Support pupils' emotional and physical needs.
• Help pupils with autism maximize their potential.

Skills

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

Minimum GCSE Grade C/4 in English and Maths

Job description

Job Overview

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Become a Teaching Assistant at our school Trent Acres, part of Options Autism, and start working towards yours.

• Teaching Assistant
• Trent Acres, Kings Bromley, DE13 7HR
• £22,300 per annum
• 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm
• Permanent; Term-time only

Options Trent Acres is an outstanding independent specialist school providing 141 places for pupils aged 5-19. The school operates across two sites in Staffordshire, offering academic and vocational opportunities on a rural 12-acre site and a newly built college setting. The school is modern, purpose-built, and welcoming, with specialist learning areas including an indoor and outdoor riding school, outdoor gymnasium, and opportunities for pupils to work with horses, donkeys, goats, alpacas, and chickens. Learning outside the classroom is fundamental at Trent Acres.

We serve areas including Stoke, Derby, Telford, Stafford, Lichfield, Burntwood, Rugeley, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth, Uttoxeter, and surrounding towns. For over 16 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we lead the sector in innovative approaches that deliver measurable outcomes. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth consecutive year.

The Opportunity

Enjoy a rewarding career in education and make a real impact on pupils’ lives. Join a dedicated team creating supportive, nurturing environments where pupils achieve more than expected. As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils with autism and additional needs, helping them maximize their potential through bespoke learning journeys. Your responsibilities include preparing learning materials, running classroom activities, and supporting pupils’ emotional and physical needs.

Every day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. You will receive support, training, and guidance to develop your skills and advance your career.

Who We Are Looking For

You should be adaptable, ready to work in various classroom roles indoors and outdoors, responding to individual needs. A team player who enjoys sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues will thrive here. To qualify, you need a minimum GCSE Grade C/4 in English and Maths.

Why Join Options Autism?

Your health and wellbeing are important. Benefits include:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with optional contributions
• Access to mental health support and health checks through “Your Wellbeing Matters”

Through our flexible benefits platform, Vista, you can choose packages including:

• Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discounts in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatments

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. Successful applicants will undergo social media checks and an enhanced DBS check.

#Education #Pupilcare #OutdoorActivities #School #Tutor #Learning #Autism #TeachingAssistant

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive high volumes of applications.

You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, providing more personal time. The 4DWW is subject to successful probation and is not a contractual benefit.