Teaching Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Chipping Norton seeks a passionate Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEMH needs and Autism. The role involves providing tailored support, assisting in lesson planning, and creating engaging learning experiences. You will work closely with a dedicated team to develop pupils' confidence and independence. The position offers a 4-day working week and various benefits, ensuring a good work-life balance while delivering meaningful progress for children in an enriching environment.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wide range of mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical Illness Coverage

Family Growth Support

4-Day Working Week

Qualifications

• Desire to help young people thrive in a supportive environment.
• Ability to support pupils with SEMH needs and/or Autism.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small-group support for pupils.
• Assist in planning and delivering engaging activities.
• Lead small group sessions and support individual interventions.

Skills

Adaptable and proactive

Caring and patient

Team-focused

Willing to learn

Education

GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? 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 trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full‑time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4‑DWW, so whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title

Teaching Assistant

Location

Park School, Chipping Norton, OX7 5QH

Salary

£22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours

37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm

Contract

Permanent, Term‑Time Only

Start Date

February 2026

Applications

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a key role in helping pupils develop confidence, independence, and curiosity. Working alongside experienced teachers and support staff, you’ll help create engaging learning experiences tailored to individual needs, particularly for pupils with SEMH needs and/or Autism. Every day will be different – rewarding, challenging, and full of opportunity to support meaningful progress.

What You’ll Do

• Provide 1:1 or small‑group support for pupils with SEMH needs and/or Autism
• Assist teachers in planning and delivering activities that spark curiosity and progress
• Lead small group sessions and support one‑to‑one interventions
• Offer emotional, social, and practical support to pupils as they navigate school life
• Contribute to creating a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment
• Support outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and personal development initiatives

Who We're Looking For

• Adaptable and proactive, able to support pupils in a variety of settings
• Caring and patient, with a genuine interest in helping young people thrive
• Team‑focused, working collaboratively alongside skilled staff in a supportive environment
• Willing to learn, with an open and positive approach to training and professional development
• Qualified with GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)

About Us

Park School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged 7 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of social, emotional and mental health needs. Our dedicated team works together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive with a troubled view of education and life. We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress both academically and socially, and encouraging them to take pride in their achievements. We are part of Acorn Education, a provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• Access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks (“Your Wellbeing Matters”)
• Flexible Benefits Platform – Vista, enabling you to choose from a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discount options valid in the UK and abroad (100’s of discounts)
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical Illness Coverage
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support
• Work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

Additional Information

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