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 Assistant / Classroom Assistant Location: New Barn School, The Long Barn, Welford, RG20 8HZ Salary: £23,638 per annum ( not pro rata ) Hours: 40 hours per week; Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (includes a 5pm finish) Contract: Permanent; Term Time Only Start: November 2025 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship As part of our continued growth and expansion, New Barn School is looking for passionate Teaching Assistants / Classroom Assistants to support our pupils with complex SEND and SEMH needs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people, guiding their learning journeys and helping them reach their full potential. We welcome applications from colleagues experienced in special education as well as mainstream educators with a passion for working with pupils with complex needs. About the Role As a Teaching Assistant, you will work directly with our pupils, helping them access and engage with education. You will: Prepare learning materials and support classroom activities Assist pupils with emotional, social, and physical development Deliver hands-on support in line with personalised learning approaches Encourage pupils to develop independence and confidence Work closely with the teaching team to adopt a therapeutic approach where needed Supporting pupils with SEMH and complex SEND is challenging but highly rewarding. You will help create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every pupil feels valued and supported. Experience and Skills Experience in the independent SEMH sector and with SEN pupils (highly desirable) Willingness to adopt a therapeutic approach to teaching and support Experience supporting pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) (highly desirable) Passionate about making a positive impact on young people’s lives Patient, empathetic, and able to work effectively as part of a team If you are enthusiastic, committed, and ready to help pupils reach their full potential, we would love to hear from you. Join New Barn School from November 2025 and be a vital part of our educational journey. About us New Barn School is a growing school and caters for SEMH pupils aged 6-19. With almost 100 pupils across three sites, we are searching for someone to help us make a difference. We have a shared vision where we aim to build incredible futures by empowering neurodiverse pupils to be happy and make their way in the world. Our growing school delivers a structured programme of education, tailored to each student’s individual needs and considering their Education, Health and Care plans. Students are taught in small cohorts and individually, by fully qualified teachers and instructors. We provide inclusive education within a safe, nurturing environment where pupil’s needs are met. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. 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 Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: 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 And 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 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. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit. 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