Teaching Assistant
17 days ago
Shifnal
At Outcomes First Schools, we believe in fostering a greater work-life balance, giving you the time to enjoy what you love outside of work! Job Title: Teaching Assistant\n Location: Higford School, Near Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ET \n Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4pm \n Salary: £23,638 per annum (not pro rata) \n Contract: Permanent | Term Time \n Start: November 2026 \n Note: UK applicants only – no sponsorship available About the Role\n At Higford School, every day is unique, and every small achievement is a reason to celebrate! \n We are on the lookout for a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our specialist education team. You will support students with Autism and additional needs, making a real difference in their lives. This role is more than just classroom support; it’s a chance to help young people build confidence, independence, and essential communication skills that can transform their futures. \n If you have experience in education, care, support work, youth work, or childcare, and a passion for helping young people reach their potential, we want to hear from you! Your Responsibilities:\n\n • Support students with Autism and additional needs during lessons and throughout the school day.\n, • Encourage engagement, confidence, and independence.\n, • Help deliver tailored learning activities and interventions.\n, • Provide emotional support and positive behavior guidance.\n, • Build strong, trusting relationships with students.\n, • Support learning both inside and outside the classroom.\n, • Collaborate with teachers, families, and other professionals.\nWho We’re Looking For:\n\n, • Caring, patient, and resilient individuals.\n, • Passionate about supporting young people with additional needs.\n, • Positive role models who can build strong relationships.\n, • Team players who thrive in collaborative environments.\n, • Confident in supporting students through challenges and celebrating their successes.\n\n Experience in education, childcare, care, youth work, or SEN settings is ideal, but we provide full training for the right candidate. A full UK driving license is required. About Us\n Options Higford is a specialist school nestled in 28 acres of stunning Shropshire countryside. We offer high-quality, holistic education for up to 60 autistic students with associated behavioral needs. Our class groups consist of five students, each with at least 1:1 staffing. We create personalized curriculums tailored to each student’s individual needs, helping them progress academically, socially, and in life skills. \n At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialized education for learners who require a deeper level of understanding and support than mainstream education typically offers. We cater to a wide range of complex, co-occurring, and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia, and experiences of trauma or adversity. \n We are proud to be part of OFG Education, recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for six consecutive years as of 2025. Why Join Us?\n We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. \n\n • Life Assurance\n, • Pension scheme with options to increase contributions\n, • “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks\n, • Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:\n \n, • Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits\n, • Hundreds of UK and international discounts\n, • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme\n, • Critical illness cover\n, • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support\n \n\n Note: We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. \n OFG Education is committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants due to 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.