Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

Job title:  Teaching Assistant
Location: Avonside School, Bristol BS4 5PS 
Salary:     £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:     40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4pm
Contract: Permanent | Full Time
Start:        March 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

Join #teamOFG and enjoy a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW)!

We’re trialling a 4DWW — 80% of the hours for 100% of your pay!* At this school, it will launch once we have a full team in place, so there’s never been a better time to join and help shape the future!

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant at Avonside School, you’ll play a key role in helping pupils feel confident, supported, and ready to learn. Working closely with teachers and tutors, you’ll deliver structured, engaging lessons while building trusting relationships that nurture independence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.

Every day, you will:

• Support teachers in delivering high-quality, inclusive lessons tailored to individual needs
• Help maintain a calm, positive, and stimulating classroom environment
• Assist with planning, record-keeping, and reviewing pupil progress, including Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Prepare and adapt learning resources and teaching aids as required
• Promote pupils’ personal, educational, and social development, on and off site
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals to provide consistent, person-centred support
• Support the safe and effective use of classroom resources, equipment, and learning materials

Every day brings new challenges, achievements, and the chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting pupils with autism, SEMH, or additional learning needs
• Patient, flexible, and creative in their approach to learning and behaviour support
• Confident in English and Maths
• Able to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and high-quality care
• Resilient, proactive, and motivated to help every child reach their potential
• Full UK Driving Licence

Previous experience in a SEND environment is advantageous, but above all, we value attitude, empathy, and a genuine desire to help young people thrive.

If you’re ready to make a real difference and contribute to a nurturing, supportive, and empowering school environment, we’d love to hear from you.

About us

Avonside School is a brand-new specialist school in Bristol for young people with SEMH, autism, and associated needs. We provide a supportive environment prioritising wellbeing, personal growth, and academic progress.

Our curriculum offers hands-on vocational pathways in construction, hair and beauty, hospitality, art and IT, building practical skills and independence. We empower every pupil to gain confidence, resilience, and the skills needed for further education, employment, and adult life.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

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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