Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Outcomes First Group; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization seeks a Teaching Assistant for a maternity cover position at Belmont Secondary School in Lancashire. The role requires supporting secondary-age pupils in their emotional and social development, assisting teachers, and creating a positive learning environment. Ideal candidates will have a calm demeanor, good communication skills, and hold relevant GCSEs. This is a full-time role with a salary of £22,160.62 per annum and a strong commitment to safeguarding students.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Schemes

4-Day Working Week

Qualifications

• Passionate and proactive approach to work.
• Ability to support students' emotional, social, and behavioral development.
• Experience with preparing learning materials.

Responsibilities

• Support students' emotional, social, and behavioral development.
• Assist teachers in delivering individualized learning plans.
• Provide one-to-one or small group classroom support.
• Encourage positive relationships, independence, and confidence.

Skills

Calm, caring, and patient approach

Experience with secondary-age pupils

Ability to build strong, positive relationships

Team player who can also work independently

Commitment to safeguarding

Education

GCSEs Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent)

Job description

We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance!

Job Title: Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Location: Belmont Secondary School, Rawtenstall, BB4 6RX
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) 12 months from start date Term Time Only
Start: January 2026 (or sooner)
UK applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship.

All applications must be completed IN FULL.

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Are you someone who brings warmth, patience, and positivity to every interaction? At Belmont Secondary School, we're looking for a passionate and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our friendly, supportive team for a 12-month maternity cover. This is your chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with social, emotional, and behavioural needs.

About the Role

This isn't just classroom support - it's life‑changing work. You'll help students build confidence, self‑esteem, and the skills they need to thrive. Working alongside dedicated teaching staff, you'll create a calm, inclusive, and purposeful learning environment. Whether supporting students one‑to‑one, in small groups, or assisting with classroom prep, your contribution will matter every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students' emotional, social, and behavioural development
• Assist teachers in delivering individualised learning plans
• Provide one‑to‑one or small group classroom support
• Prepare learning materials and classroom resources
• Encourage positive relationships, independence, and confidence
• Accompany students on educational visits and enrichment activities
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, behaviour, and wellbeing
• Occasionally assist with safe pupil transport (e.g., after detentions or trips)

What We're Looking For

• Calm, caring, and patient approach
• Experience with secondary‑age pupils (desirable, not essential)
• Ability to build strong, positive relationships with students and staff
• GCSEs Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Team player who can also work independently
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

About the School

Belmont Secondary is an independent, specialist day school for boys 11 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs. Our dedicated team, work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them both academically and socially to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

This opportunity is within commutable distance of Rawtenstall, Bury, Burnley and surrounding areas.

Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education. 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.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to 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.

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.
• 4-Day Working Week - enjoy a better work‑life balance ( terms and conditions apply )

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

At Outcomes First Group, we put people first - pupils and colleagues alike.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4-Day Working Week (4DWW), with others preparing to roll it out soon. There's never been a better time to join - and help create brighter futures, one child at a time.

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.