Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Position:  Teaching Assistant
Location: Strawberry Lane School, Durham, DH6 5BE
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday 
Salary:      £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         March 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

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 will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a key role in helping our pupils thrive. This is far more than a support role — it’s your chance to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.

In this role, you will:

• Support pupils individually and in groups, helping them develop literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills
• Assist in planning and delivering engaging lessons and learning activities
• Implement positive behaviour strategies and maintain a calm, encouraging classroom environment
• Prepare classroom resources and support enrichment activities and school trips
• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and behaviour
• Work closely with teachers, therapy staff, and pastoral teams to provide consistent support
• Supervise pupils during break and lunch periods

You’ll be part of a nurturing, inclusive environment, helping each pupil grow in confidence, independence, and learning.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking candidates who are:

• Experienced in working with children or young people, ideally in a school or SEN setting
• Adaptable, compassionate, and proactive, able to respond to individual needs
• Confident and comfortable supporting both structured lessons and creative, outdoor learning
• Team-focused, collaborative, and willing to contribute ideas and energy to the wider school community
• Most importantly, motivated by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.

About Us

Strawberry Lane School is a brand-new specialist school in Bowburn, Durham, supporting 60 pupils aged 11–19 with autism, communication needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. The school celebrates each learner’s strengths while providing structure, guidance, and encouragement. Strawberry Lane empowers every young person to thrive and reach their full potential.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone 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 Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. 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.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • 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

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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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