Teaching Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Shifnal; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Outcomes First Group’s Higford School near Shifnal is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to support pupils with autism and additional needs. You’ll help create engaging learning experiences, nurture emotional wellbeing and encourage independence in a caring, inclusive environment.

The role is full-time, permanent and term-time, 40 hours per week (Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm) with a September 2026 start. UK applicants only – sponsorship not available.

Qualifications

• Experience in educational, childcare, or SEN settings.
• Ability to remain calm and positive when supporting pupils with complex needs.
• Strong teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Full driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with autism and additional needs in their learning and development.
• Assisting with engaging classroom activities and personalised learning experiences.
• Providing emotional and practical support tailored to individual pupils.
• Helping pupils build confidence, independence and social skills.
• Supporting both indoor and outdoor learning activities.
• Building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Working collaboratively as part of a supportive and passionate team.
• Helping create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Pupil support

Autism awareness

Job description

Full Job Description

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Higford School, Near Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ET

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4pm

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

Contract: Permanent | Term Time

Start: September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Higford School, part of Options Autism, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed in a supportive, nurturing and inspiring environment. As part of our continued growth, we’re looking for a passionate and caring Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team and help transform the lives of pupils with autism and additional needs.This is more than a classroom role — it’s a chance to build confidence, inspire independence and make a genuine difference every single day.As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work closely with pupils to support their learning, emotional wellbeing and personal development — helping them engage with the world around them and achieve more than they ever thought possible. You’ll help create engaging learning experiences, support classroom activities, encourage positive social interaction and provide the guidance pupils need to flourish both inside and outside the classroom.

What you’ll do:

• Supporting pupils with autism and additional needs in their learning and development
• Assisting with engaging classroom activities and personalised learning experiences
• Providing emotional and practical support tailored to individual pupils
• Helping pupils build confidence, independence and social skills
• Supporting both indoor and outdoor learning activities
• Building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
• Working collaboratively as part of a supportive and passionate team
• Helping create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment

Who we’re looking for:

• Have experience in educational, childcare, or SEN settings
• Can remain calm and positive when supporting pupils with complex needs
• Work effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Driving Licence required

About Us

Options Higford is a specialist school set in 28 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside. We provide a high quality, holistic education for up to 60 autistic students who also have associated behavioural needs. Class groups