Teaching Assistant

Outcomes First Group; North End; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to enhance

Your Wellbeing Matters - mental health

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Health, wellbeing and insurance perks

Discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group’s Orchard Manor School in Downham Market is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students aged 5–16 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related needs. You will work alongside teachers, therapists and care staff to deliver high-quality pastoral and educational support in a safe, inclusive environment.

You will help implement individual support plans, support learning, and promote development of independence and communication skills while maintaining safeguarding

Qualifications

• Experience in education, SEND, autism or challenging behaviour settings.
• Passionate about supporting children with complex, high needs.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning is desirable.
• Driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to help learners access learning and meet individual goals.
• Assist teachers with delivering engaging, differentiated lessons.
• Encourage students' social, emotional and personal development.
• Support students with communication, behaviour and independence skills.
• Create stimulating learning environments and resources.
• Collaborate with education, care and therapy teams to provide consistent support.
• Contribute to individual support plans, risk assessments and progress records.
• Promote safeguarding and wellbeing of all students.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Patience

Calm under pressure

Education

Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Tools

Driving licence

Job description

Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Do you have the patience, resilience and enthusiasm to support students with additional needs?, We are looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our specialist education team, supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated learning and communication needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a vital role in helping students grow in confidence, develop independence, and achieve meaningful outcomes both in and outside the classroom. As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, therapists and support staff to provide high-quality educational and pastoral support. You will help create a safe, engaging and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. What you will be doing

• Supporting students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups to access learning and achieve their individual goals.
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated lessons.
• Encouraging students' social, emotional and personal development.
• Supporting students with communication, behaviour and independence skills.
• Helping to create stimulating learning environments and resources.
• Working collaboratively with education, care and therapy teams to provide consistent support.
• Contributing to individual support plans, risk assessments and progress records.
• Promoting the safety, wellbeing and safeguarding of all students
  Experience working within education, SEND, autism or challenging behaviour settings.
• Is passionate about supporting children with complex, high needs primary age learners.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Can remain calm, patient and positive when faced with challenges.
• Is able to build strong, trusting relationships with students and colleagues.
• Holds a Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning (desirable).
• Driving licence (Required).
  Orchard Manor School, part of Options Autism, is a brand-new specialist school opening near King's Lynn in Downham Market. The school will cater for up to 72 students aged 5 to 16 with a variety of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Orchard Manor is an independent specialist school where the curriculum is thoughtfully designed around the specific needs of autistic learners and those with related needs. Education is supported by a fully integrated on-site clinical team, ensuring a holistic, person-centred approach to learning and wellbeing. At Orchard Manor, we are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is supported to achieve their full potential. At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity. We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running. 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