Teaching Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Princes Risborough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group’s Acorn Education division is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 11-18 with SEMH needs at Red Kite School in Princes Risborough. You will work alongside experienced teachers to create a calm, inclusive learning environment and help pupils overcome barriers to learning.

This role offers meaningful challenges, opportunities to build confidence, and a supportive team that values safeguarding and pupil welfare.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in an education setting is desirable.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people and maintain a calm, caring approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups to access learning.
• Build positive relationships to help pupils feel safe, confident and engaged.
• Work with teachers to deliver engaging learning activities and promote independence.

Job description

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, build confidence and achieve things they never thought possible. This is far more than a classroom support role. You'll be a mentor, role model and trusted adult, providing the encouragement, structure and guidance that helps young people thrive both academically and personally. Working alongside experienced teachers and a supportive wider team, you'll help create a positive, engaging learning environment where every pupil feels valued, understood and able to thrive. No two days are the same, but every day offers the chance to make a genuine difference in a young person's life.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups to access learning and reach their potential
• Building positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, confident and engaged
• Working alongside teachers to deliver creative and engaging learning activities
• Encouraging independence, resilience and social development
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and promoting positive behaviour strategies
• Creating a calm, nurturing and inclusive learning environment
• Celebrating achievements and helping pupils recognise their own progress
  We're not just looking for experience, we're looking for the right person. Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant or come from a background in education, care, youth work, childcare, coaching or support services, we'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about making a difference.
• Experience with children within an education setting
• Patient, caring and able to build positive relationships with young people
• Resilient, calm and confident when faced with challenges
• Adaptable and creative in your approach to supporting learning
• A strong team player who enjoys working collaboratively
• Passionate about helping children and young people achieve their full potential
  Red Kite School is an independent special school for up to 60 young people aged 11-18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Opened in September 2024, the school is located in the beautiful market town of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. We provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every young person is understood, valued and encouraged to thrive. Our experienced team creates a calm, structured environment where pupils build confidence, resilience and achieve positive outcomes through personalised learning, high expectations and strong relationships. Our curriculum develops the knowledge, emotional resilience, social communication and life skills pupils need to succeed in education, their communities and beyond, helping every young person become a confident learner, responsible citizen and prepared for their future. 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.

We place pupils 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 pupils 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