Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

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:   Higford School, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ET
Salary:       Up to £22,300.00 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours:       40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Contract:   Permanent | Term Time Only

Start Date November 2025
Requirements: UK applicants only (this role does not offer sponsorship). All applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence.

We’re growing – and we’re looking for a compassionate, committed, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join the fantastic team at Higford School, part of Options Autism.

Our pupils are amazing young people, each with a diagnosis of Autism and often additional needs. With your support, they’ll grow in confidence, thrive in their learning, and achieve more than they ever imagined.

About the Role

This is a deeply rewarding role where you’ll have a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Working directly with pupils, you’ll help them access education through tailored, person-centred support.

From preparing engaging learning materials and supporting classroom activities, to helping with emotional regulation and social development, you’ll ensure every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to learn.

Key Responsibilities:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with autism and complex needs
• Helping deliver engaging lessons and creating learning resources
• Supporting emotional regulation and social interaction
• Getting involved in outdoor learning and real-world experiences
• Building positive, lasting relationships with pupils, families, and professionals
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, and specialists to support every child’s unique journey

No two days are the same—and that’s exactly what makes this role so rewarding.

Who We're Looking For

You don’t need previous SEN experience—we provide full training. What matters is that you are:

• Caring, patient, and adaptable
• Willing to learn and take on new challenges
• Resilient and calm under pressure
• A true team player who wants to make a difference

About Us

Options Higford is a special school set in 28 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside. We provide a high quality, holistic education for up to 60 autistic students who also have associated behavioural needs. Class groups have five students in with at least 1:1 staffing. We provide personalised curriculums for each student based on their individual needs and aim to support them to make progress academically, socially, with skills for life, regulating their emotions and accessing the community.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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