SEN 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.

SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Benton House School, Benton, NE7 7XE
Salary:     £22,160.62 per annum / £13.25 p/h (not pro rata)
Hours:     37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        December 2025
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

Inspire Potential. Change Lives. Be Part of Something Meaningful.

Do you believe that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish — to feel seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are?
At Benton House School, we’re searching for a kind, energetic, and passionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join our growing team and help shape brighter futures for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This is more than a role — it’s a calling. You’ll be part of a compassionate school community where every small breakthrough is a big victory, and every day brings the chance to make a lasting difference.

About the Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll be right at the heart of our pupils’ learning journeys. You’ll work closely with our teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

From supporting hands-on learning in the classroom to joining pupils in outdoor, sensory, or community-based activities, you’ll help them develop confidence, resilience, and independence — both academically and personally.

No two days are the same, but every day matters.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teachers to deliver creative, engaging lessons tailored to individual learning styles
• Providing 1:1 and small group support to help pupils achieve personal and academic goals
• Encouraging emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviour through understanding and empathy
• Helping pupils develop social skills and confidence through everyday interactions and structured activities
• Supporting off-site learning experiences that bring lessons to life and build real-world understanding

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to have years of experience — what matters most is your passion, patience, and determination to make a difference.

You’ll be a great fit if you are:

• Compassionate, calm, and creative in your approach
• A team player who thrives in a positive, supportive environment
• Curious and open-minded, with a willingness to learn and grow
• Committed to helping every child reach their potential

Essential:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths – Grade C / 4 or above

At Benton House, you’ll find a workplace built on kindness, collaboration, and growth. We’ll give you the tools, training, and encouragement to develop your career — and the space to make a genuine impact every single day.

You’ll become part of a team that celebrates progress in all its forms — from the smallest smile to the biggest breakthrough.

Because here, every child matters. And so do you.

About us

Benton House School is a brand-new SEN school for pupils with complex needs including SEMH. It is an exciting addition to the Acorn portfolio based in Newcastle.

Benton House School will have capacity for 60 pupils ages 5-14 years old.

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?

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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