Teaching Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Sefton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Insurance benefits

Discounts across UK retailers

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group’s Hazel Cottage in St Helens seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support autistic students aged 4-11 in a nurturing, engaging environment. You will help learners grow academically, socially and emotionally, while promoting independence and life skills.

You’ll collaborate with teachers and therapists to tailor support, involve students in outdoor learning and enrichment activities, and contribute to a compassionate, high-support team culture.

Qualifications

• Experience of working as a Teaching Assistant in an SEN environment.

Responsibilities

• Support students' learning and personal development in creative, engaging ways
• Prepare and help deliver lessons that spark curiosity and confidence
• Provide emotional and practical support, helping students overcome barriers and achieve their goals
• Encourage positive behaviour and social interaction through empathy and consistency
• Get involved in outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and community experiences
• Work closely with teachers and therapists to tailor support to individual needs
• Be part of a passionate, supportive team that values every voice and every achievement

Skills

SEN experience

Job description

We're looking for a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our growing team at our satellite site in St Helens. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students with additional needs, helping them learn, grow and thrive in a nurturing, engaging and creative environment. You'll be someone who can inspire confidence, encourage curiosity and help young people overcome barriers and discover what they're truly capable of. Every day will bring something different - from bringing lessons to life in the classroom, to supporting students with outdoor activities, enrichment experiences and hands-on creative projects. You'll play an important role in helping students develop academically, socially and emotionally, celebrating their successes and supporting them through their challenges. Most importantly, you'll be part of a supportive, passionate team who genuinely care about making a difference and creating positive opportunities for every young person. If you're enthusiastic, creative and ready to help young people reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

In this role, you will:

• Support students' learning and personal development in creative, engaging ways
• Prepare and help deliver lessons that spark curiosity and confidence
• Provide emotional and practical support, helping students overcome barriers and achieve their goals
• Encourage positive behaviour and social interaction through empathy and consistency
• Get involved in outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and community experiences
• Work closely with teachers and therapists to tailor support to individual needs
• Be part of a passionate, supportive team that values every voice and every achievement

Requirements:

• Someone with experience of working as a Teaching Assistant in an SEN environment
• A caring, energetic person who loves helping others grow and succeed
• Someone patient, adaptable, and ready to embrace every challenge with positivity
• A great communicator who builds strong, trusting relationships with students and colleagues
• A true team player who wants to learn, share ideas, and make a lasting difference

Hazel Cottage is a new school meeting the needs of autistic students aged 4 - 11 years who may have additional needs. We are situated in St Helens in the former St Patricks Church. At Hazel Cottage everything we do is centred around the individual needs of each student attending our school, with the aim that every learner is able to fulfil their individual potential and thrive. Alongside a broad, exciting and memorable curriculum, we focus on developing core life skills such as communication and social interaction, sensory processing and emotional regulation. We work towards every student being as independent as possible when they move on to the next stage of their education.

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.

Why Join Us?

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.

Benefits:

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

"Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks

• 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

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair