Teaching Assistant

The Shires - Oakham; Oakham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist school in Oakham is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support autistic teenagers. This role involves applying an understanding of autism and development challenges to assist students in achieving their educational goals. The position offers a supportive work environment focused on wellbeing and includes a comprehensive rewards package.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with flexible options

Mental health support services

Physical health checks

Flexible benefits platform

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE standards in Math and English.
• Experience supporting autistic teenagers is ideal.
• Ability to assist with Education Health Care Plan outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support young people in their social and emotional development.
• Implement an 'in their own time and space' approach.
• Help pupils meet their Education Health Care Plan outcomes.

Skills

Knowledge of Autism

Understanding of developmental trauma

Supportive communication

Education

GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English

Job description

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking staff with knowledge and understanding of Autism and developmental trauma, who can apply that knowledge in all dealings and interactions with the young people we support. We employ an "in their own time and space" philosophy to help our pupils navigate their lives. Our approach focuses on understanding behaviour as a form of communication to support social and emotional development. We have a strong safeguarding culture, where pupils are listened to, respected, and involved in decisions.

You should be educated to GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English. Ideally, you will have experience supporting autistic teenagers who have faced challenges throughout their school journey. You will play a pivotal role in helping our pupils meet their Education Health Care Plan outcomes, empowering them with the tools to be happy, healthy, and independent.

Qualifications required

About the school

Oakham Shires School is an Independent Special School for 11-18 year olds who are Autistic and have associated diagnoses and special educational needs. The school offers a specialist curriculum for pupils who have struggled in mainstream or larger SEN settings and are working below age-expected levels. Pupils are taught in small classes of 4-5 with a high staff-to-pupil ratio. We support pupils to achieve their Outcomes within their Education Health Care Plan, develop life skills, and attain qualifications in Maths, English, and Science.

For over 16 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we lead the sector in innovative approaches that deliver measurable outcomes for those in our care.

Why join Options Autism?

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll receive an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with flexible contribution options
• Access to comprehensive mental health support services and physical health checks through "Your Wellbeing Matters"

Our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, allows you to choose benefits that suit you, including:

• Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discount options in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will undergo social media checks, and successful candidates will be subject to a fully enhanced DBS check.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time for personal pursuits.