SEN Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

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

Job Title:  SEN Teaching Assistant
Location:   Benton House School, Benton, NE7 7XE
Hours:  37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Salary:  £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:  September 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 an SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll be right at the heart of our pupils’ learning journeys. You’ll work closely with our teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

From supporting hands-on learning in the classroom to joining pupils in outdoor, sensory, or community-based activities, you’ll help them develop confidence, resilience, and independence — both academically and personally.

No two days are the same, but every day matters.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teachers to deliver creative, engaging lessons tailored to individual learning styles
• Providing 1:1 and small group support to help pupils achieve personal and academic goals
• Encouraging emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviour through understanding and empathy
• Helping pupils develop social skills and confidence through everyday interactions and structured activities
• Supporting off-site learning experiences that bring lessons to life and build real-world understanding

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to have years of experience — what matters most is your passion, patience, and determination to make a difference.

You’ll be a great fit if you are:

• Compassionate, calm, and creative in your approach
• A team player who thrives in a positive, supportive environment
• Curious and open-minded, with a willingness to learn and grow
• Committed to helping every child reach their potential

Essential:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths – Grade C / 4 or above

At Benton House, you’ll find a workplace built on kindness, collaboration, and growth. We’ll give you the tools, training, and encouragement to develop your career — and the space to make a genuine impact every single day.

You’ll become part of a team that celebrates progress in all its forms — from the smallest smile to the biggest breakthrough.

Because here, every child matters. And so do you.

About Us

Benton House School is a brand-new SEN school for pupils with complex needs including SEMH. It is an exciting addition to the Acorn portfolio based in Newcastle.

Benton House School will have capacity for 60 pupils ages 5-14 years old.

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.

#1