Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work

Job Title:  Teaching Assistant
Location:  Heath Farm School, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0AX
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday |  8.30am - 4.00pm
Salary:      £23,321.34 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant you will play a vital role in delivering high‑quality education and care to our students. Working closely with class teachers, tutors, and our multi‑professional team, you will help create a safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential.

This role is ideal for someone who is patient, resilient, and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with autistic spectrum disorder.

What you will be doing

• Support class teachers and tutors in delivering high‑quality education, implementing all relevant policies, and creating a structured, autism‑appropriate learning environment.
• Assist with planning, risk assessments, and the creation, updating, and evaluation of student documentation including IEPs, BSPs, risk assessments, and communication profiles.
• Help manage challenging behaviour using consistent strategies that promote students’ development from external control to self‑control.
• Contribute to the preparation of teaching resources, classroom organisation, and the effective use and maintenance of equipment and learning materials.
• Work collaboratively with teaching, care, and multi‑professional teams, maintaining strong communication to ensure a consistent approach between school, home, and other departments.
• Maintain accurate records, follow all safeguarding, behaviour, and health & safety policies, and engage in ongoing training, meetings, and professional development.

What you will bring 

• Passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Patient, compassionate and committed to helping every pupil achieve their full potential.
• A positive team player with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Previous experience working with children with SEN or relevant SEN qualifications are beneficial, but not essential – we'll provide training and support to help you succeed.
• Dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Driving licence required 

About Us

Heath Farm is an independent SEN school that offers a unique and stimulating environment where every pupil can make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education. From our nurturing approach for primary pupils through to the relaxed working environment of the specialist College Provision, all students are encouraged to reach high standards in every aspect of their lives.

Our pupils present with a wide range of needs, including social and emotional issues, learning difficulties, mental health problems and associated conditions. However, they are able to enjoy extraordinary outcomes and be happy at 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

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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