Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

Teaching Assistant

Location: 3 Dimensions School, Chard, Somerset, TA20 3AJ
Salary:     £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:     40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        February 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

Due to the rural location of the school and limited access to public transport, a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

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

We’re excited to welcome a SEN Teaching Assistant to our warm, supportive team at 3 Dimensions School in the beautiful rural setting of Chard, Somerset. As we continue to grow through 2025, this is a fantastic time to join a forward-thinking school with real opportunities for progression and professional development.

In this role, you’ll support pupils with autism and additional learning needs, working alongside teachers to deliver engaging, tailored learning. You’ll provide 1:1 and small-group support, help create a calm and inclusive classroom, and play a vital part in developing pupils’ confidence, independence, and life skills. No two days are the same — but every day is rewarding.

What You’ll Do

• Support pupils individually and in small groups
• Assist with lesson delivery and classroom preparation
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Provide pastoral and practical support, including personal care where needed
• Support learning beyond the classroom through trips and outdoor activities
• Work closely with teachers and specialists to meet EHCP targets

Who We’re Looking For

• Experience in education, care, or a support setting
• A positive, compassionate, and flexible approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Confidence supporting challenging behaviour
• Willingness to work indoors and outdoors
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

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.

About Us

3 Dimensions School is in an exciting phase of growth and development. With not just one, but two school sites! Resulting in a far wider offer of educational places, and a wealth of opportunities for young people with SEN (i.e., Learning difficulties, speech, language and communication difficulties, Autism, ADHD, SEMH, PDA, Attachment Disorder, and young people who have experienced previous trauma).

3 Dimensions School is an Options Autism School, within the Outcomes First Group. We are an inclusive, forward-thinking school, who embrace diversity.

This opportunity is within commutable distance of Chard, Ilminster, Honiton and surrounding areas.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Options Autism?

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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