Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

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

Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Higford School, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ET
Hours:     40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Salary:     £23,638.00 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 vital role in supporting pupils to succeed. This is more than a support role—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference. You’ll work closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff to provide tailored assistance, help manage behaviour, and promote independence, confidence, and self-belief in every pupil.

What you’ll do:

• Support pupils individually and in small groups with learning, communication, and social skills
• Assist teachers with planning and delivering engaging lessons and activities
• Implement positive behaviour strategies and maintain a calm, inclusive classroom environment
• Prepare resources, support school trips, and contribute to enrichment activities
• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and behaviour
• Supervise pupils during breaks, lunches, and activities

Who we’re looking for:
We want compassionate, patient, and proactive individuals who:

• Have experience in educational, childcare, or SEN settings
• Can remain calm and positive when supporting pupils with complex needs
• Work effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Hold a full UK Driving Licence and are comfortable supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom

At Higford, you’ll be part of a dedicated, supportive team making a real impact on children’s lives. You’ll receive excellent training, opportunities to develop your skills, and the satisfaction of seeing pupils grow, achieve, and flourish every day.

About Us

Welcome to Options Higford, a small, nurturing school set on 28 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside. We support children and young people aged 5–19 with Autism, associated learning needs, and behaviours that may challenge. Our personalised curriculum helps pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, building skills for life and independence. Small class sizes, high staff support, and a dedicated Clinical Team ensure every pupil’s EHCP is fully met. Learning extends beyond classrooms into sensory spaces, forest school, and community-based experiences. We empower pupils to grow in confidence, communication, and resilience, preparing them for a fulfilling future.

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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