Teaching Assistant
- Southampton
- Permanent
Full Job Description
We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work
Job title: Teacher Assistant
Location: Bower Lodge School, Dibden, Southampton, SO45 5TD
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time only
Start: October 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available
About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, build confidence and achieve things they never thought possible.
This is far more than a classroom support role. You'll be a mentor, role model and trusted adult, providing the encouragement, structure and guidance that helps young people thrive both academically and personally.
Working alongside experienced teachers and a supportive wider team, you'll help create a positive, engaging learning environment where every pupil feels valued, understood and able to succeed.
No two days are the same, but every day offers the chance to make a genuine difference in a young person's life.
What you will be doing
- Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups to access learning and reach their potential
- Building positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, confident and engaged
- Working alongside teachers to deliver creative and engaging learning activities
- Encouraging independence, resilience and social development
- Supporting emotional wellbeing and promoting positive behaviour strategies
- Creating a calm, nurturing and inclusive learning environment
- Celebrating achievements and helping pupils recognise their own progress
Who We’re Looking For
We're not just looking for experience, we're looking for the right person.
Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant or come from a background in education, care, youth work, childcare, coaching or support services, we'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about making a difference.
- GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent
- Patient, caring and able to build positive relationships with young people
- Resilient, calm and confident when faced with challenges
- Adaptable and creative in your approach to supporting learning
- A strong team player who enjoys working collaboratively
- Passionate about helping children and young people achieve their full potential
- Motivated by making a real and lasting impact every day
- Forest School Leader Level 3 would be desirable
About us
Bower Lodge School is a specialist day school in Dibden, Southampton, for boys and girls aged 4–11 with a diagnosis of autism and complex learning, communication, and sensory needs.
With capacity for 40 pupils, we provide a small, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Our approach is tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs. Through personalised learning and high levels of support, we help pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Bower Lodge School, every child is valued, understood, and empowered to 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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