Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

Teaching Assistant

Bricklehurst Manor School, Stonegate, TN5 7EL
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm including 1 x 5pm finish
Salary: Up to £24,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

Get Paid for 5 Days, Work Just 4

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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your 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!

About the Role

This isn’t just a classroom job. This is about being a steady, positive presence in a child’s world  - someone they can trust, rely on, and grow with.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work directly with pupils across a variety of settings — in the classroom, outdoors, and beyond — helping them access learning, regulate emotions, and build key life skills. You’ll play a critical role in preparing resources, running activities, and creating an environment where each pupil feels safe, supported, and understood.

This is a hands-on role that requires compassion, patience, and a genuine belief in every pupil’s potential.

Our schools are built on great teamwork and mutual support. If you enjoy working as part of a dedicated team, sharing knowledge, experience and learning, simply fill in our safeguarding-compliant application form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting individual pupils or small groups with learning tasks
• Helping pupils regulate their emotions through positive relationships and routines
• Working closely with teachers to adapt activities and resources
• Encouraging social interaction, independence, and emotional resilience
• Supporting pupils during outdoor learning, sensory breaks, or enrichment activities
• Helping with personal care or physical support where needed
• Building strong relationships with pupils based on empathy, respect, and consistency
• Contributing to a calm, purposeful, and inclusive learning environment

Essential:

• GCSE Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• A genuine interest in supporting pupils with SEMH and/or SEN needs
• A calm, caring, and proactive approach to working with vulnerable young people
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Highly Desirable:

• Previous experience working in an SEMH or specialist education setting
• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs

About Us

Bricklehurst Manor School is a brand-new school that caters for up to 60 pupils with SEMH and associated needs. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants involvement in the set up and development of a brand-new school setting and is inspired to support within special educational needs settings.

This school is based in Stonegate, East Sussex.

We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Acorn Education?

We put pupil outcomes at the heart of everything we do, so every day you’ll know your work is making a meaningful impact.

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.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista:
  • Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and 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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