Learning Support 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: Learning Support Assistant Location: Parkside House School, Backworth, NE27 0AB Salary: £22,160.62 per annum ( not pro rata ) Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:30-16:00 Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only Start: December 2025 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. At Parkside House School, we believe every young person deserves the chance to flourish — to discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and feel proud of who they are. We’re seeking a passionate Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team, where every day is an opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of our pupils. About the Role This is more than just a classroom role — it’s a chance to change lives. As a Learning Support Assistant, you’ll play a key part in helping pupils with additional needs engage with learning, overcome challenges, and achieve their personal best. You’ll work side-by-side with teachers and tutors to provide tailored support, nurture positive relationships, and build a classroom environment where every child feels valued, understood, and inspired to succeed. Each day brings new opportunities to spark curiosity, celebrate progress, and watch young people grow in independence, resilience, and confidence. What You’ll Do As part of our passionate team, you will: Empower students – Provide tailored one-to-one and group support to help pupils build confidence and independence. Build connections – Develop positive relationships that nurture personal, social, and emotional growth. Support learning – Work with teachers to deliver engaging lessons and adapt activities to suit individual needs. Foster inclusion – Help create a welcoming, inspiring environment where every pupil feels valued and motivated. Ensure wellbeing – Follow safeguarding and school policies to keep every child safe and supported. What We’re Looking For You’ll be someone who: Is compassionate, patient, and enthusiastic about helping young people succeed. Thrives in a supportive, team-focused environment. Has an interest in working with pupils with autism or additional learning needs. Holds GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths. Has a full UK driving licence – this role may involve supporting across both our school sites in Backworth and Ashington. About Us Welcome to Parkside House School, an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Independent Special School with sites in Backworth and Ashington. We provide specialist teaching, small class sizes, bespoke timetables, and a nurturing, friendly environment for pupils aged KS2 Year 6–KS5. Our school supports students with SEMH needs and associated learning difficulties, including autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, and oppositional defiance disorder. Pupils thrive academically, socially, and personally, guided by a passionate, experienced team dedicated to unlocking their potential. We are part of Acorn Education   and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve 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 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 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. *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  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