Teaching Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Eastleigh is searching for a dedicated Teaching Assistant. This role involves guiding and supporting pupils in their learning and development, preparing materials for diverse needs, and assisting teachers. With a focus on wellbeing, the position offers a unique 4-Day Working Week trial while maintaining full-time pay. Competitive salary, benefits including flexible wellness options, and a supportive environment are included. Join a passionate team and make a significant impact in students' lives.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Flexible Benefits Platform

Mental health support

Discount options

Qualifications

• Confidence working in various settings, adapting to pupil needs.
• Experience in supporting children with diverse needs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Guide pupils' learning and support their development.
• Prepare learning materials and lead activities for students.
• Assist teachers with engaging lesson delivery.

Skills

Caring approach

Adaptability

Team player

Creativity

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 (4DWW) 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 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. 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: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of £500.00!

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

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: January 2026

UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

About the Role

Every day is different at Dibden Park. As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Work closely with pupils to guide their learning, supporting both academic and personal development
• Prepare learning materials and lead classroom or small-group activities tailored to individual needs
• Support pupils’ emotional, social, and physical development, helping them gain confidence and independence
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging lessons, both indoors and outdoors
• Share your skills and knowledge while learning from colleagues in a collaborative, team-focused environment

What We’re Looking For

• A caring, adaptable, and proactive approach to working with pupils with diverse needs
• Confidence working in a variety of settings, from classroom lessons to outdoor learning experiences
• Ability to respond to individual pupil needs with patience, creativity, and understanding
• A team player who thrives in a supportive and collaborative school environment

At Dibden Park, you won’t just support learning—you’ll inspire it. You’ll play a pivotal role in helping pupils overcome challenges, achieve milestones, and flourish as individuals. Every day brings new opportunities, and with guidance, training, and support, you’ll develop your skills and grow your career alongside a dedicated and passionate team.

About Us

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school based in Southampton. We provide inclusive education within a safe and nurturing environment for students with complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. Our focus is on meeting each pupil’s individual needs and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care.

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.

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
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our 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’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.

*You’ll 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.

**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £250 after completion of month three (3) and one further payment of £250 upon completion of your final probation period - month six (6) or later. Terms and Conditions Apply

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst 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.