Teaching Assistant

JR United Kingdom; Epsom; On-site; GBP 22,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a new Options Autism School in Epsom, where compassionate Teaching Assistants can make a real difference in the lives of students with special educational needs. This role offers the chance to support pupils aged 11-19 in their academic and social development while being part of a forward-thinking team that values work-life balance through a trial of the 4-Day Working Week. With a commitment to staff wellbeing and a comprehensive benefits package, this position is not just a job, but a rewarding career path in a nurturing environment that prioritizes the growth and success of its students.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Physical health checks

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Paid fertility treatment support

Qualifications

• Dedicated to helping pupils with SEND thrive academically and socially.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support the class teacher to ensure high-quality education delivery.
• Provide relevant support to students for independent curriculum access.
• Promote students' physical and educational development.

Skills

Compassionate support

Teamwork

Effective communication

Education

Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Further qualifications in education

Job description

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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!

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Skylarks School, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7LR

Salary: £21,746.96 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start: September 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

We now have a fantastic opportunity for Teaching Assistants to join our new Options Autism School - Skylarks School in Epsom, Surrey.

About the role

This role requires a compassionate individual who is dedicated to helping pupils with SEND thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with all stakeholders is essential.

To provide support to pupils in their learning, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to engage in educational activities and achieve their full potential.

Responsibilities

• To support the class teacher/tutor in order to ensure the delivery of a high-quality education for all students
• To support the class teacher and/or tutor to ensure that all relevant education policies and procedures are implemented in full
• To provide relevant and appropriate support to students, on an individual or group basis, in order to enable them to access the curriculum as independently as possible
• To promote, in line with Company policies, the physical, educational, and moral development of the students
• To ensure that the available equipment and resources are used, stored and maintained efficiently, reporting any maintenance issues to the appropriate staff
• To support the class teacher and/or tutor in organising the classroom, its resources, student groupings and displays to provide a stimulating learning situation appropriate for students with autistic spectrum disorder

Requirements

• Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (Desirable)
• Willingness to work towards further qualifications as required (Essential)
• Undertake relevant group induction training on commencement (essential)

About us

Our New Options Autism School, Skylarks School in Epsom Surrey will cater for pupils ages 11 – 19-year-old who have ASC and Complex Needs and will have capacity for 60 pupils.

For over 16 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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.

We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

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

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

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

And that’s not all, 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 the 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.

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