Teaching Assistant

We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balanceJob Title: Teaching Assistant - Maternity CoverLocation: Belmont Secondary School, Rawtenstall, BB4 6RXSalary:     £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to FridayContract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) | 12 months from start date | Term Time OnlyStart:         January 2026 (or sooner)UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship.All applications must be completed IN FULL.Make a Real Difference Every DayAre you someone who brings warmth, patience, and positivity to every interaction? At Belmont Secondary School, we’re looking for a passionate and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our friendly, supportive team for a 12-month maternity cover. This is your chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with social, emotional, and behavioural needs.About the RoleThis isn’t just classroom support — it’s life-changing work. You’ll help students build confidence, self-esteem, and the skills they need to thrive. Working alongside dedicated teaching staff, you’ll create a calm, inclusive, and purposeful learning environment. Whether supporting students one-to-one, in small groups, or assisting with classroom prep, your contribution will matter every day.Key Responsibilities:Support students’ emotional, social, and behavioural developmentAssist teachers in delivering individualised learning plansProvide one-to-one or small group classroom supportPrepare learning materials and classroom resourcesEncourage positive relationships, independence, and confidenceAccompany students on educational visits and enrichment activitiesMaintain accurate records of student progress, behaviour, and wellbeingOccasionally assist with safe pupil transport (e.g., after detentions or trips)What We’re Looking ForWe value heart just as much as experience:Calm, caring, and patient approachExperience with secondary-age pupils (desirable, not essential)Ability to build strong, positive relationships with students and staffGCSEs Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent)Team player who can also work independentlyCommitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of childrenAbout the SchoolBelmont Secondary is an independent, specialist day school for boys 11 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs. Our dedicated team, work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them both academically and socially to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.This opportunity is within commutable distance of Rawtenstall, Bury, Burnley and surrounding areas.Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. 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 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 checksA 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.*4-Day Working Week – enjoy a better work-life balance (terms and conditions apply)We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.At Outcomes First Group, we put people first — pupils and colleagues alike.Many of our schools have already introduced the 4-Day Working Week (4DWW), with others preparing to roll it out soon. There’s never been a better time to join #TeamOFG — and help create brighter futures, one child at a time.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