Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

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Job Title:   Teaching Assistant
Location:   Hazel Cottage School, Clinkham Wood, St Helens, WA11 7AP
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

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our growing team at our satellite site in St Helens. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pupils with additional needs, helping them learn, grow and thrive in a nurturing, engaging and creative environment.

You’ll be someone who can inspire confidence, encourage curiosity and help young people overcome barriers and discover what they’re truly capable of. Every day will bring something different — from bringing lessons to life in the classroom, to supporting pupils with outdoor activities, enrichment experiences and hands-on creative projects.

You’ll play an important role in helping pupils develop academically, socially and emotionally, celebrating their successes and supporting them through their challenges. Most importantly, you’ll be part of a supportive, passionate team who genuinely care about making a difference and creating positive opportunities for every young person.

If you’re enthusiastic, creative and ready to help young people reach their potential, we’d love to hear from you.

In this role, you will:

• Support pupils’ learning and personal development in creative, engaging ways
• Prepare and help deliver lessons that spark curiosity and confidence
• Provide emotional and practical support, helping pupils overcome barriers and achieve their goals
• Encourage positive behaviour and social interaction through empathy and consistency
• Get involved in outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and community experiences
• Work closely with teachers and therapists to tailor support to individual needs
• Be part of a passionate, supportive team that values every voice and every achievement

Who we’re looking for:

• Someone with experience of working as a Teaching Assistant in an SEN environment
• A caring, energetic person who loves helping others grow and succeed
• Someone patient, adaptable, and ready to embrace every challenge with positivity
• A great communicator who builds strong, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues
• A true team player who wants to learn, share ideas, and make a lasting difference

About Us

Hazel Cottage is a new school meeting the needs of autistic pupils aged 4 – 11 years who may have additional needs.

We are situated in St Helens in the former St Patricks Church. At Hazel Cottage everything we do is centred around the individual needs of each pupil attending our school, with the aim that every learner is able to fulfil their individual potential and thrive.  Alongside a broad, exciting and memorable curriculum, we focus on developing core life skills such as communication and social interaction, sensory processing and emotional regulation. We work towards every pupil being as independent as possible when they move on to the next stage of their education.

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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