Teaching Assistant

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 we’re putting 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 equivalent 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. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.Job title:  Teaching AssistantLocation: Strawberry Lane School, Durham, DH6 5BESalary:     £22,160.62 per year (not pro rata)Hours:     37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8:00–16:00Contract: Permanent | Term TimeStart:        January 2026UK applicants only; no sponsorship availableThis is an exciting opportunity to join our brand new school from day one and help shape a supportive, inclusive culture for pupils and staff alike. We're looking for passionate, committed individuals who are eager to be part of something meaningful—and help build the foundation of a truly special learning community.About the RoleJoin a dynamic and rewarding education environment where your work has a real and lasting impact on pupils’ lives. As part of our dedicated team, you will support vulnerable young people—helping them grow, succeed, and achieve far more than they imagined possible.As a Teaching Assistant, you will:Work closely with pupils to guide their learning journeysSupport teachers in delivering engaging, tailored lessonsPrepare materials and lead small group or individual activitiesHelp pupils meet emotional, social, and physical needsEncourage independence, confidence, and participationSupport both classroom-based and outdoor learning experiencesYou’ll play a vital role in helping each pupil flourish in a setting built around respect, care, and understanding.Who We’re Looking ForWe’d love to hear from candidates who:Have experience working with children or young people, ideally in a school or SEN settingAre adaptable, compassionate, and proactive in their approachThrive in a team-focused environment and are committed to collaborationAre confident supporting both structured learning and creative, outdoor experiencesMost importantly, you should be motivated by a desire to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.About usStrawberry Lane School, located in Bowburn, Durham, is a brand-new specialist school accommodating 60 pupils aged 11–19 with a primary need of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), communication and language needs, and often additional complex needs.The school is dedicated to empowering every learner and embracing every strength, providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment where autistic young people can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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 Options Autism?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 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.BenefitsYour health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:Life AssurancePension 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 checksAnd a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroadCycle to Work SchemesElectric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.*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 benefitOutcomes 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