SEN Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

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Job Title:  Teaching Assistant
Location:  Ashley Park School, Epsom, Surrey KT18 7LR
Salary:      ££22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         October 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

Are you looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference to a young person every day? At Ashley Park School, we’re looking for caring, enthusiastic and resilient Teaching Assistants to join our growing team and help pupils with additional needs build confidence, overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

Working alongside experienced teachers, therapists and other professionals, you’ll provide personalised support in a nurturing environment where every pupil is understood as an individual and every achievement matters.

Previous SEN experience is beneficial, but it isn’t essential. If you have the right values, patience and ability to connect with young people, we’ll provide the training and support you need to develop within specialist education.

What You'll Be Doing 

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support, helping pupils engage with learning and work towards their individual goals.
• Build positive and trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
• Support teachers to deliver engaging, creative and personalised learning activities.
• Encourage pupils to develop greater confidence, independence, communication and social skills.
• Provide calm and consistent support to promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Help plan and deliver individualised activities and support strategies that encourage pupil progress.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals to provide consistent support.
• Help maintain a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every pupil has the opportunity to succeed.

About You

You don’t need years of specialist education experience to make a great Teaching Assistant. You may already work in a school, or have transferable experience from care, support work, youth work, mentoring, coaching or another people-focused role.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is genuinely passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Is patient, compassionate and able to build positive relationships.
• Can remain calm, resilient and consistent when situations become challenging.
• Has strong communication skills and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Is flexible and willing to adapt their approach around individual pupil needs.
• Is enthusiastic about learning, developing and building a career within specialist education.
• Is willing to complete relevant induction, mandatory training and further professional development.
• Holds a Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools – desirable, but not essential.
• Has previous SEN experience or relevant qualifications – beneficial, but not essential.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

About Us

Ashley Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Epsom, Surrey, for autistic young people aged 11–19, with a capacity for 60 pupils.

We provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Personalised teaching, differentiated lessons, and tailored therapeutic support ensure each pupil’s unique needs and abilities are met.

Our curriculum combines academic study, vocational pathways, and life skills, preparing young people to achieve their full potential and future aspirations.

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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