Teaching Assistant

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

Job summary

A dedicated education provider in Milton Keynes seeks a Teaching Assistant to support students in a nurturing environment. This role involves assisting with learning materials and ensuring pupils' emotional and physical wellbeing. Applicants should be adaptable and enthusiastic about helping young people succeed. Full UK driving licence required. Competitive salary offered with additional wellbeing benefits.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Schemes

Flexible Benefits Platform

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting pupils with varying needs.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in classroom activities and prepare learning materials.
• Support pupils' emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Help develop pupils' independence and confidence.

Skills

Adaptability

Patience

Collaboration

Enthusiasm for education

Tools

Full UK Driving Licence

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: Willow Park School, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LJ

Salary: £23,638 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: December 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we have a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at Willow Park School, located in Milton Keynes.

About the Role

Enjoy a rewarding career in education and make a real impact on pupils’ lives. Join an amazing team that creates supportive, nurturing environments where our pupils achieve far more than they ever imagined.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work directly with our brilliant pupils, helping them get the very best from their education. Each young person has their own unique strengths and needs — and you’ll play a vital role in guiding their individual learning journeys.

You’ll help prepare learning materials, support classroom activities, and provide hands‑on guidance both in and outside the classroom. You’ll also take responsibility for pupils’ emotional and physical wellbeing, helping them develop independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Every day will bring new challenges and opportunities — and you’ll be fully supported by a passionate, experienced team who will help you grow your skills and build your career.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Adaptable and ready to work across a variety of classroom and outdoor settings
• Caring, patient, and proactive in supporting pupils with different needs
• A strong team player who values collaboration and mutual support
• Enthusiastic about helping young people reach their potential

Essential

• Full UK Driving Licence

Supporting Statement Guidance: When applying, please provide written examples of your knowledge and experience that demonstrate how you meet the requirements of this role.

At Willow Park School, you’ll be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming lives through education — helping every pupil thrive, learn, and succeed.

About us

Willow Park School is a brand-new specialist school in Milton Keynes for young people aged 9–16 with a range of complex needs. Our aim is simple: to equip every child with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the future. Through a therapeutic educational approach, supported by specialist facilities and an experienced team, we help students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH), communication, interaction, and associated challenging behaviours to flourish in a safe and nurturing environment.

Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. 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 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

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

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
• 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

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.