Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Job Title:      Teaching Assistant​ 

Location:      Heath Farm School, Ashford

Salary:          £20,906.25 per annum

Hours:          37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract:      Permanent, Term Time only

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth in service, we are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join our amazing team at Heath Farm School, part of Acorn Education.

About the role

You will work under the direct instruction of an assigned teacher, usually in the designated learning environment with a teacher, to support access to learning for students and provide general support to the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom. Work may sometimes be undertaken outside the main teaching area - this may include off site locations including college settings. To lead small parts of lessons with a small number of students. To share the school’s responsibility to support and promote the learning, personal development and well-being of all students.

General Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils and young people
• Work in accordance with professional practice, statutory and legal requirements and the policies of the school
• Take on specific tasks related to the day-to-day administration and organisation of the school
• Take responsibility for specific areas of work which will be reviewed annually then negotiated and agreed within the performance management cycle and school improvement process
• Take on any additional responsibilities which might from time to time be determined

About us

We are 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 promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. 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?

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.

And that’s not all, 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.

*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. 

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