Teaching Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; West of England; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in the UK seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils with autism and SEMH at Avonside School, Bristol. The role involves helping deliver engaging lessons, maintaining a supportive atmosphere, and documenting pupil progress. Ideal candidates are flexible, patient, and possess a genuine passion for enhancing the learning experience for young people with additional needs. This permanent, full-time position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity for a better work-life balance with a 4-Day Working Week trial.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Discounts and benefits

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a SEND environment is advantageous.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships.
• Motivated to help every child reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in delivering high-quality, inclusive learning experiences.
• Help maintain a positive classroom environment.
• Organise resources and support pupil wellbeing.

Skills

Passionate about supporting pupils with autism

Patient and flexible

Confident in collaborative settings

Resilient and proactive

Empathy

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 put 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 an equivalent number of 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. Now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Details

Job title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Avonside School, Bristol BS4 5PS
Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (not pro‑rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Start date: January 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship provided.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work closely with class teachers and tutors to provide consistent, person‑centred support for pupils. You’ll help deliver structured, engaging lessons while building positive relationships that nurture confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing.

• Support teachers in delivering high‑quality, inclusive learning experiences
• Help maintain a positive classroom environment that meets the needs of pupils with autism and SEMH
• Organise resources, displays, and student groupings to encourage engagement and curiosity
• Assist with planning, record‑keeping, and reviewing pupil progress
• Contribute to documentation such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Promote pupils’ personal, educational, and social development
• Use and maintain equipment and resources safely and effectively
• Support pupil wellbeing on and off site in line with risk assessments
• Create or adapt learning resources and teaching aids when required
• Work collaboratively as part of a multi‑professional team, building strong working relationships with colleagues

What We’re Looking For

• Passionate about supporting pupils with autism, SEMH, or additional learning needs
• Patient, flexible, and creative in their approach
• Able to build positive, trusting relationships
• Confident working as part of a collaborative team
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and high‑quality care
• Resilient, proactive, and motivated to help every child reach their full potential
• Previous experience in a SEND environment is advantageous, but above all, we value attitude, empathy, and a genuine desire to help young people grow

About Us

Our Acorn Education provision, Avonside School, opened August 2025 and serves up to 72 pupils with complex needs, including SEMH. We are part of Acorn Education, the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and we are proud to have been certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) offering a market‑leading range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits, including discounts, Cycle to Work Schemes, Electric Car Purchase Scheme, critical illness cover, and family growth support

Additional Information

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Note

*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.