Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work!

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:        September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Strawberry Lane School, every day is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. We're looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team and help children and young people with additional needs achieve more than they ever thought possible.

This is much more than a classroom support role. You'll work alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to create a safe, engaging and nurturing environment where every pupil is encouraged to grow in confidence, develop independence and enjoy learning.

If you're passionate about helping young people succeed and want a rewarding career where every day matters, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, helping them achieve their academic, social and emotional goals.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging, personalised lessons and learning activities tailored to individual needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage confidence, resilience and independence in every pupil.
• Prepare learning resources and support a range of classroom, outdoor and enrichment activities, including educational visits.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, providing valuable feedback to teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to deliver consistent, high-quality support.
• Supervise pupils during breaktimes and throughout the school day, helping to maintain a safe, positive and inclusive environment.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs to achieve their full potential.
• Experienced working with children or young people, ideally within an education, SEN or care setting.
• Compassionate, patient and adaptable, with a calm and positive approach.
• A confident team player who enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues and families.
• Happy supporting learning both in the classroom and through creative, practical and outdoor activities.
• An excellent communicator who builds positive relationships and encourages pupil engagement.
• Proactive, resilient and committed to continuous learning and professional development.
• Dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

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

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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