Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

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).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Job Title:   Teaching Assistant 

Location:   Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB 

Salary:       £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours:       37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm

Contract:   Fixed Term - Maternity Cover, Term Time only 

Start Date: September 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. 

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at Oakham Shires School, part of Options Autism. 

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant at Oakham Shires, you will be supporting our students to reach their full Academic potential. 

Supporting students within a classroom setting, you will ensure that each student is supported in the way most appropriate for them. The needs of our students vary from individual to individual, and from day to day, so you will ensure that they understand the tasks being undertaken, and that they have all the resources that they require.   

Who we are looking for

We are looking for enthusiastic staff, who are caring and compassionate, and have a desire to help and support our SEN students to achieve their full potential.

You will be educated to the equivalent of GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English. You will play a pivotal role in working with our students to meet their Education Health Care Plan outcomes empowering and equipping them with the tools they need to be happy, healthy and make their way in the world. 

Essential:

• GCSE equivalent Maths & English
• UK Driving licence - we require this as our pupils often have days out into the local area, this will allow you to make sure they are experiencing fulfilling days out and activities!
• Experience of working with autistic spectrum disorders and/or challenging behaviour (highly desirable)
• Experience of working within an educational setting (highly desirable)

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

For over 16 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?

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 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.

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 

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