Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge

Job Title:  Teaching Assistant
Location:  Stretton Shires School, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7GT
Hours:      37.5 hours 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

About the Role

Are you looking for a career where every day has purpose?

At Stretton Shires School, we're looking for an enthusiastic, caring and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our growing team. This is more than a classroom support role—it's an opportunity to help young people with autism and associated needs discover their strengths, build confidence and achieve things they never thought possible.

Every small breakthrough matters. Every achievement is celebrated. Every day, you'll know you've made a genuine difference.

Working alongside experienced teachers, therapists and a passionate multidisciplinary team, you'll help create a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where every pupil can flourish academically, socially and emotionally.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide personalised support to pupils in line with their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Support teachers to deliver engaging, creative and inclusive learning experiences.
• Help pupils develop communication, social, emotional and independence skills.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families and the wider school team to achieve the very best outcomes.
• Create a calm, safe and positive learning environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.
• Monitor progress, maintain accurate records and contribute to pupil reviews and planning.
• Support pupils during educational visits, enrichment activities and wider school experiences.
• Provide personal care where required, always promoting dignity, independence and wellbeing.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting autistic young people and helping them reach their full potential.
• Compassionate, patient and resilient, with a calm and nurturing approach.
• A positive team player who enjoys working collaboratively in a supportive environment.
• Adaptable, proactive and confident building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Qualified in English and Maths (Grade C/Level 4 or above, or equivalent).
• A full UK driving licence holder.
• Experience in education, care or support is desirable—but if you have the right values and attitude, we'll provide the training you need.

At Stretton Shires School, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that genuinely cares — where your wellbeing matters as much as your professional growth. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference every day, helping pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

About us

Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 – 18.

Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations.

Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.

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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