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: Heath Farm School, Ashford, TN27 0AX
Salary: £19,205.87 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 32.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: December 2025
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Heath Farm School, part of Acorn Education, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. We’re a caring, creative, and forward-thinking school dedicated to helping children with varied and complex needs reach their full potential.

As we continue to grow, we’re thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our welcoming and passionate team.

About the Role

This isn’t just a support role — it’s a chance to change lives every day. As a Learning Support Assistant, you’ll work alongside our talented teachers to create engaging, inclusive learning experiences that help every pupil feel supported, valued, and inspired to achieve their best.

You Will:

- Support teachers in delivering creative, hands-on lessons tailored to individual learning needs.
- Work one-to-one and in small groups to help pupils overcome barriers to learning.
- Encourage positive behaviour, wellbeing, and social interaction in and out of the classroom.
- Prepare learning materials and help maintain a stimulating, organised learning environment.
- Collaborate with a dedicated, caring team committed to every pupil’s personal and academic growth.

Who we’re looking for

You’re compassionate, resilient, and ready to make a difference. Whether you have classroom experience or are just starting your journey in education, what matters most is your enthusiasm, empathy, and commitment to helping young people succeed.

You’ll Bring:

- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
- A genuine passion for supporting children and young people.
- Strong communication skills and a caring, patient attitude.
- Experience working with children or young people (desirable, but not essential).
- A calm, adaptable, and proactive approach to working as part of a team.

About Us

Heath Farm is an independent SEN school that offers a unique and stimulating environment where every pupil can make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education. From our nurturing approach for primary pupils through to the relaxed working environment of the specialist College Provision, all students are encouraged to reach high standards in every aspect of their lives.

Our pupils present with a wide range of needs, including social and emotional issues, learning difficulties, mental health problems and associated conditions. However, they are able to enjoy extraordinary outcomes and be happy at school.

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 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.

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