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: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY
Salary:     £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:     37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        January 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

At Groveside School, we believe every young person deserves the chance to grow, learn, and achieve — no matter their challenges. As part of our continued growth, we’re looking for caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our supportive team in Reading, Berkshire.

This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to help pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs build confidence, develop skills, and discover their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Whether you’re taking your first step into education or looking to build on existing experience, we’ll give you the training, guidance, and support you need to make a real difference.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant at Groveside, you’ll play a key part in helping pupils engage with learning, manage emotions, and celebrate achievements — big and small. No two days are the same, but every day is rewarding.

You will:

• Provide personalised support – Deliver 1:1 assistance and small group sessions to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build trust and connection – Create strong, supportive relationships that help pupils feel valued and understood.
• Encourage learning and growth – Help deliver creative, engaging lessons that meet individual learning goals.
• Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing – Support pupils in developing confidence, independence, and resilience.
• Get involved beyond the classroom – Assist with outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and community visits.
• Collaborate with professionals – Work closely with teachers, therapists, and other staff to support each child’s journey.

Who we are looking for:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about helping young people with additional needs flourish
• Compassionate, calm, and resilient in challenging situations
• Comfortable working in 1:1 support roles as well as group settings
• Adaptable and ready to support pupils both indoors and outdoors
• A strong team player who values communication, collaboration, and mutual support
• Qualified with GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above) – essential for this role

About the school

Groveside School is a Brand-New Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils. 

To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:  

• To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
• To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
• To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
• To develop your career.
• To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.  

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 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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