Teaching Assistant

New Barn School; Welford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Flexible benefits platform (Vista)

Cycle to Work

Job summary

New Barn School in Newbury, Berkshire is seeking caring Teaching Assistants to support pupils with SEMH, ASC and additional needs, helping them build confidence and resilience, and to make a real difference every day.

You will provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support, work with teachers and the multidisciplinary team to create a nurturing, structured and inclusive learning environment where every pupil can thrive.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.
• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or working with children and young people.
• Genuine interest in supporting pupils with SEMH, ASC and additional needs.
• Ability to build positive and appropriate relationships with young people.
• Patient, caring and resilient approach.
• Confident to remain calm, consistent and supportive when pupils face challenges.
• Willingness to embrace a therapeutic and nurturing approach to learning and behaviour.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and helping every pupil reach their potential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support, helping pupils engage positively with their learning.
• Build strong and trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
• Work alongside teachers to deliver engaging and personalised learning activities.
• Support pupils with SEMH, ASC and additional needs, adapting your approach to the individual.
• Encourage the development of confidence, resilience, communication and independence.
• Provide calm and consistent support to promote emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour.
• Help create a nurturing, structured and inclusive environment where pupils can succeed.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible outcomes for every pupil.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Relationship building

Education

GCSE English and Maths (4/C or above)

Job description

At OFG we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work Job Title: Teaching Assistant Location: New Barn School - River View House, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2PS Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata) Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Start: October 2026 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. Are you patient, positive and great at building relationships with young people? Perhaps you already work in education or SEND and are looking for your next opportunity. Or maybe you have experience in care, youth work, mentoring, coaching, support work or another people‑focused role and are ready for a career where you can make a genuine difference. At New Barn School - River View House, we're growing our team and looking for caring, enthusiastic and resilient Teaching Assistants to help our pupils build confidence, overcome barriers and experience success. Supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and additional needs, you'll work alongside our experienced team to provide the individual encouragement, structure and support each pupil needs to thrive. This isn't about simply sitting alongside a pupil in a classroom. You'll build positive, trusting relationships, help pupils navigate challenging moments, encourage them to try new things and celebrate progress that can mean everything to the young person involved. No two days will be exactly the same - and the difference you make will be visible every day.

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support, helping pupils engage positively with their learning.
• Build strong and trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
• Work alongside teachers to deliver engaging and personalised learning activities.
• Support pupils with SEMH, ASC and additional needs, adapting your approach to the individual.
• Encourage the development of confidence, resilience, communication and independence.
• Provide calm and consistent support to promote emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour.
• Help create a nurturing, structured and inclusive environment where pupils can succeed.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible outcomes for every pupil.

About You

We're interested in the person behind the application - your ability to connect with young people, remain calm when things become challenging and recognise the potential in every pupil. You'll need:

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.
• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or working with children and young people.
• A genuine interest in supporting pupils with SEMH, ASC and additional needs.
• The ability to build positive and appropriate relationships with young people.
• A patient, caring and resilient approach.
• The confidence to remain calm, consistent and supportive when pupils experience challenges.
• A willingness to embrace a therapeutic and nurturing approach to learning and behaviour.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and helping every young person achieve their potential.

About Us

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. 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.

Why Join Us?

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 We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 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. #1