Teaching Assistants

Outcomes First Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

"Your Wellbeing Matters" support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking enthusiastic Teaching Assistants at New Barn School in Newbury. You will support young people with SEMH needs and build positive relationships to help them succeed academically and socially.

The role involves providing individual support, working alongside teachers, and creating an inclusive environment. Candidates must have GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, and a genuine passion for working with children with additional needs.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or working with children and young people.
• A genuine interest in supporting pupils with SEMH, ASC and additional needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and helping every young person achieve their potential.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils' learning.
• Build strong relationships that make pupils feel safe and ready to learn.
• Work collaboratively with teachers to deliver engaging learning activities.
• Encourage pupil independence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

Skills

Relationship building

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above

Job description

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.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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.

  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.

  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.

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.

Benefits

• 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