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:  New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8HZSalary:      £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata)Hours:       40 hours per week | Monday to Friday Contract:  Permanent | Term Time OnlyStart:         January 2026UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorshipBe Part of Something Extraordinary at New Barn SchoolAs New Barn School continues to grow and expand, we’re excited to welcome passionate, energetic and dedicated Teaching Assistants/Classroom Assistants to our team.Whether you’re an experienced SEN practitioner or coming from mainstream education with a burning passion for SEND, this is the perfect opportunity to make a genuine impact on the lives of young people with complex needs.About the RoleAs a Teaching Assistant at New Barn School, you’ll build strong, meaningful connections with pupils — helping them unlock their potential and thrive in their own unique ways.Every day, you will:Support pupils with complex Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needsHelp prepare and deliver engaging learning materials and classroom activitiesProvide hands-on support under the guidance of experienced teachersNurture pupils’ emotional and physical wellbeingEncourage independence, resilience and positive engagement with learningPlay a vital role in shaping each learner’s journey — step by step, moment by momentThis is an exciting opportunity to join a committed, supportive and inspiring team where your passion becomes a catalyst for positive change.Who We’re Looking ForWe welcome applications from people who are:GCSE English and Maths or equivalentExperienced Teaching Assistants within SEN or from mainstream settings eager to move into complex SENDConfident in working with SEMH pupils (highly desirable)Happy to adopt and embrace a therapeutic, nurturing approachExperienced working with ASC (highly desirable)Compassionate, adaptable, resilient and ready to learnCommitted to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young peopleAbout UsNew Barn School offers a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum to boys and girls, aged 6 – 19 years who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health complexities.New Barn School takes full advantage of its beautiful settings and fosters a love for using the outdoor curriculum including forest school, farm experiences and horse riding. The School is within a commutable distance of Swindon, Oxford, Andover, Basingstoke and Reading and other surrounding towns and villages.Our services offer a stable, secure and supportive environment, in which the pupils and young people we care for can develop the skills and confidence necessary to help them fulfil 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 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 supportWe 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