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**
**Location: Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB**
**Salary: £22,190.62 per annum (**_not pro rata_**)**

**Hours: 37.5/week | Monday - Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm**
**Contract: Permanent, Term Time**
**Start: December 2025**

**UK applicants only. No sponsorship available.**

Are you ready to inspire, support and empower young people to achieve their very best? As part of our exciting growth, Oakham Shires School is looking for passionate, dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our warm and welcoming team.

Whether you’re already experienced in education or looking for a new, meaningful career path — this is your chance to change lives and grow with us.

**About the Role**

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of our students’ learning journey. Working closely with teachers and our expert support team, you’ll help children and young people with autism and complex needs to unlock their potential — academically, socially, and emotionally.

No two days are the same One day you might be supporting classroom learning; the next, helping students gain confidence on a community visit or creative project. You’ll play an active part in creating a positive, inclusive environment where every learner can shine.

**You Will**:

- Support teaching staff in preparing lessons and delivering engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
- Work 1:1 and in small groups, guiding pupils through personalised learning plans.
- Encourage emotional regulation and positive behaviour through patience, understanding, and consistency.
- Supervise and inspire pupils during classroom and outdoor activities, promoting independence and confidence.
- Build trusted relationships that make pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated.
- Create a calm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.

**What We're Looking For**

We’re looking for caring, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping children with additional needs succeed.

You’ll be:

- Supportive and compassionate, with a flexible and proactive mindset
- Comfortable working with children with autism and/or complex behaviour
- A strong communicator and team player

**Essential**:

- Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above
- UK Driving Licence (students often access community-based activities)

**Desirable (but not essential)**:

- Experience working with autistic pupils or those with challenging behaviours
- Experience working in a school or educational setting

**If you’re new to this type of role but have the right attitude, values, and a passion for helping others — we’d love to hear from you**

**About the school**

Oakham Shires School is an Independent SEN School, part of the Options Autism group. Students are supported to achieve their Outcomes within their Education Health Care Plan, develop life skills, and achieve accreditations in Maths, English and Science.

Our team is close-knit, values-driven, and committed to creating a safe, nurturing learning environment.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to students, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. 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 Options Autism?**

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.

**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 Wo