Teaching Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; England; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in the UK is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students with additional needs at Oakham Shires School. You will work alongside teachers to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. The role offers a full-time contract with a competitive salary and benefits, including participation in the 4-Day Working Week trial.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Schemes

Critical illness cover

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Responsibilities

• Support students in reaching their academic and personal potential.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider school team.
• Provide classroom-based support and accompany students on activities.

Skills

Supportive and compassionate

Strong communication

Team player

Flexible and proactive mindset

Education

Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above

UK Driving Licence

Job description

Overview

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.

Role details

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB

Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

Interviews: 23rd & 24th September

Eligibility: Please note: UK applicants only. This role does not offer visa sponsorship.

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll support our students in reaching their full academic and personal potential. Working closely with the class teacher and wider school team, you’ll help pupils understand tasks, stay engaged, and access the resources they need to thrive.

Every day is different — the needs of our students vary, and you’ll adapt your approach to suit each individual. You’ll provide classroom-based support and, at times, accompany students on activities or community visits, making sure their learning extends beyond the classroom.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for caring, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping children with additional needs succeed.

You’ll be:

• Supportive and compassionate, with a flexible and proactive mindset
• Comfortable working with children with autism and/or complex behaviour
• A strong communicator and team player

Essential:

• Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above
• UK Driving Licence (students often access community-based activities)

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience working with autistic pupils or those with challenging behaviours
• Experience working in a school or educational setting

If you’re new to this kind of role but have the right values and a genuine desire to help others — we’d still love to hear from you.

About the school

Oakham Shires School is an Independent SEN School, part of the Options Autism group. Students are supported to achieve their Outcomes within their Education Health Care Plan, develop life skills, and achieve accreditations in Maths, English and Science.

Our team is close-knit, values-driven, and committed to creating a safe, nurturing learning environment.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to students, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

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 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, including:
  • Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
  • Discount options in the UK and abroad
  • Cycle to Work Schemes
  • Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support - enhanced maternity/paternity leave, and 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

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