Teaching Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Frome; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Your Wellbeing Matters

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Discounts platform: UK & international

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Wessex Lodge School in Frome is seeking enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our specialist team. You’ll support pupils aged 5-18 with SEND, delivering tailored 1:1 and small-group assistance to help them engage, learn and grow.

You’ll work with teachers and a multidisciplinary team to foster a safe, inclusive environment, monitor progress, and contribute to assessments while supporting broader school activities and safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting students with SEND, including Autism and SEMH needs.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Calm, patient and able to respond sensitively to individual needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support students aged 5-18 to engage positively in learning and achieve their individual targets.
• Deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group support to meet a range of SEND needs.
• Promote students' personal development, wellbeing, confidence and independence.
• Monitor progress, provide feedback and contribute to assessment and record-keeping.
• Help create stimulating learning environments that encourage curiosity and participation.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Promote positive behaviour and uphold safeguarding procedures at all times.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, supporting enrichment activities, pastoral care and school events.

Skills

Creative

Enthusiastic

Excellent communicator

Organised

Calm and patient

Safeguarding commitment

Job description

Do you have the energy, compassion and creativity to help children and young people overcome barriers and achieve more than they ever thought possible? At Wessex Lodge School, we're looking for enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our specialist team and make a genuine difference to the lives of students with additional needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting students across the school, helping them to engage in learning, develop socially and emotionally, and achieve their individual goals. Working closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team, you'll help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where students feel understood, valued and inspired to succeed. You'll support learning both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging independence, promoting positive behaviour and adapting your approach to meet the diverse needs of our students. At the heart of this role is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and help children realise their potential-academically, socially and emotionally. What You'll Be Doing

• Support students aged 5-18 to engage positively in learning and achieve their individual targets.
• Deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group support to meet a range of SEND needs.
• Promote students' personal development, wellbeing, confidence and independence.
• Monitor progress, provide feedback and contribute to assessment and record-keeping.
• Help create stimulating learning environments that encourage curiosity and participation.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Promote positive behaviour and uphold safeguarding procedures at all times.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, supporting enrichment activities, pastoral care and school events.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Creative, enthusiastic and willing to think outside the box.
• Passionate about helping children and young people succeed.
• Experienced in supporting students with SEND, including Autism and SEMH needs, or eager to develop within specialist education.
• Calm, patient and able to respond sensitively to individual needs.
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Organised, reliable and confident maintaining accurate records.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Dedicated to continuous professional development and learning.

Full UK Driving Licence

Learning at Wessex Lodge goes far beyond the classroom. Our outdoor spaces across all three sites offer meaningful opportunities for students to regulate, connect and engage. These environments, whether it be out in the the community or time with animals, are key to helping our children feel calm, confident and curious.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Wessex Lodge School in Frome, Wessex Lodge Primary in Kilmington or Newmead Farm in Maiden Bradley Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday-Friday Salary: From £22,160.63 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata) Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Start: October 2026 UK applicants only - no sponsorship available, We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• "Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:"
  • "Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits"
  • "Hundreds of UK and international discounts"
  • "Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme"
  • "Critical illness cover"
  • "Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support"