Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

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

Job title:  Teaching Assistant
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary:     £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of £500.00!**
Hours:     40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
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 

About the Role

At Dibden Park School, every day brings new opportunities to support young people, build confidence and celebrate progress.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in helping pupils engage with learning, develop independence and believe in their own abilities. Working alongside teachers and the wider school team, you’ll help create a supportive and inspiring environment where pupils can thrive. No two days are the same — and every day you’ll see the difference your support makes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting pupils with their learning, development and wellbeing
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging and inclusive lessons
• Preparing resources and leading small group or classroom activities
• Encouraging pupils’ confidence, independence and positive behaviour
• Supporting both indoor and outdoor learning experiences
• Building strong relationships with pupils and colleagues
• Contributing to a positive, collaborative school environment

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Caring, patient and enthusiastic
• Adaptable and proactive in a dynamic classroom environment
• Confident supporting pupils with a range of needs and abilities
• Creative and understanding when responding to individual learning needs
• A strong team player who thrives in a supportive school community

At Dibden Park, you won’t just support learning — you’ll inspire it. You’ll help pupils overcome challenges, celebrate achievements and grow as individuals. With training, guidance and the support of a dedicated team, this is a role where you can truly make a difference while developing your own skills and career.

About Us

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. Pupils benefit from staff who understand their individual needs and remove barriers to engagement. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park empowers every pupil to achieve their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.

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
  • 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay*

*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.

**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £250 after completion of month three (3) and one further payment of £250 upon completion of your final probation period - month six (6) or later. Terms and Conditions Apply

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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