Teaching Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Your Wellbeing Matters

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)

Health benefits

Hundreds of UK and international скид—

Job summary

Dibden Park School, part of Acorn Education within Outcomes First Group, invites applications for a Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with SEMH needs.

You will work 1:1 or in small groups, build relationships, support communication and independence, and collaborate with teachers and therapists.

We provide safeguarding and a fully enhanced DBS process; driving licence is required, and the role includes engaging classroom, outdoor and enrichment activities.

Qualifications

• Caring, patient, resilient and willing to learn.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to help pupils engage with learning and reach their individual goals.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help young people feel safe, understood and confident.
• Support pupils with their communication, emotional wellbeing, behaviour and independence.
• Get involved in engaging classroom, outdoor and enrichment activities.
• Encourage pupils to try new things, develop new skills and recognise their achievements.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and colleagues to provide consistent, personalised support.

Job description

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in helping children and young people build confidence, develop independence and enjoy success in their learning. You don't need to have all the answers. What matters is that you're caring, patient, resilient and willing to learn. You'll be supported by an experienced team and given the opportunity to develop your skills while making a genuine difference every day. No two days will be the same. You could be supporting learning in the classroom, getting involved in outdoor activities, encouraging communication or helping a pupil manage challenges and celebrate their successes.

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to help pupils engage with learning and reach their individual goals.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help young people feel safe, understood and confident.
• Support pupils with their communication, emotional wellbeing, behaviour and independence.
• Get involved in engaging classroom, outdoor and enrichment activities.
• Encourage pupils to try new things, develop new skills and recognise their achievements.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and colleagues to provide consistent, personalised support. You could already have experience working in education, care, youth work or support or you may simply have the right attitude and a genuine passion for helping young people.
• Caring, patient and compassionate, with a positive approach.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to respond calmly to different situations.
• A confident communicator who can build strong relationships.
• Enthusiastic about learning and developing their own skills.
• A team player who enjoys working collaboratively.
• Ready to bring energy, encouragement and positivity to every day.
• Driving licence required.

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. Pupils benefit from staff who understand their individual needs and remove barriers to engagement. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park School supports every child and young person to feel safe, be heard, discover their worth, develop their strengths and create a limitless 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