Teaching Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Shifnal; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education group in Shifnal is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to support autistic pupils at Higford School. You’ll work with students to enhance their learning and emotional development, providing tailored support in a supportive environment. The ideal candidate is patient, adaptable, and has a full UK driving licence. This role offers a competitive salary and participation in a 4-Day Working Week trial.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Health checks

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• UK applicants only; full UK Driving Licence required.
• Experience with pupils having autism and complex needs valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to pupils with autism and complex needs.
• Assist in delivering engaging lessons and creating resources.
• Support emotional regulation and social interactions.

Skills

Caring and compassionate

Adaptability

Team player

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Details

• Job Title: Teaching Assistant
• Location: Higford School, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ET
• Salary: £23,638 per annum (not pro rata)
• Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00am – 4:00pm
• Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
• Start: November 2025
• Requirements: UK applicants only (no sponsorship available). All applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We’re growing – and we’re looking for a compassionate, committed, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join the fantastic team at Higford School, part of Options Autism.

Our pupils are amazing young people, each with a diagnosis of Autism and often additional needs. With your support, they’ll grow in confidence, thrive in their learning, and achieve more than they ever imagined.

About the Role

This is a deeply rewarding role where you’ll have a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Working directly with pupils, you’ll help them access education through tailored, person-centred support.

From preparing engaging learning materials and supporting classroom activities, to helping with emotional regulation and social development, you’ll ensure every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with autism and complex needs
• Helping deliver engaging lessons and creating learning resources
• Supporting emotional regulation and social interaction
• Getting involved in outdoor learning and real-world experiences
• Building positive, lasting relationships with pupils, families, and professionals
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, and specialists to support every child’s unique journey

No two days are the same—and that’s exactly what makes this role so rewarding.

Who We're Looking For

• Caring, patient, and adaptable
• Willing to learn and take on new challenges
• Resilient and calm under pressure
• A true team player who wants to make a difference

About Us

Options Higford is a special 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 have five students in with at least 1:1 staffing. We provide personalised curriculums for each student based on their individual needs and aim to support them to make progress academically, socially, with skills for life, regulating their emotions and accessing the community.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.