Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job title:  Teaching Assistant
Location: Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB
Salary:     £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday – Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time
Start:        March 2026

UK applicants only. No sponsorship available.

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay.*

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

About the Role

Are you ready to inspire, support, and empower young people to achieve their very best? As part of our continued growth, Oakham Shires School is seeking passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our warm and welcoming team.

Whether you already have experience in education or you’re looking for a new, meaningful career path, this is an opportunity to make a genuine difference while developing your skills in a supportive environment.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of each pupil’s learning journey. Working closely with teachers and our wider support team, you’ll help pupils with autism and complex needs to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. No two days are the same — from classroom learning to community-based activities and creative projects, your role will be varied, rewarding, and impactful.

You Will:

• Support teaching staff in preparing lessons and delivering engaging, hands-on learning experiences
• Work 1:1 and in small groups, supporting personalised learning plans
• Encourage emotional regulation and positive behaviour through patience, understanding, and consistency
• Supervise and support pupils during classroom, outdoor, and community-based activities
• Build strong, trusting relationships so pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated
• Help create a calm, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for caring, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping children with autism and complex needs succeed. You’ll be supportive, compassionate, and proactive, with a flexible approach and a genuine commitment to inclusive education.

You’ll be confident working as part of a team, able to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, and comfortable supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour. Strong communication skills and a calm, patient manner are essential.

Essential requirements:

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above
• Full UK Driving Licence (pupils regularly access community-based activities)

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience working with autistic pupils and/or those with challenging behaviour
• Experience in a school or educational setting

If you’re new to this type of role but bring the right attitude, values, and motivation to make a difference, we’ll support you to grow and develop in the role.

About Us

Oakham Shires School is an independent SEN school, part of Options Autism, providing a nurturing environment for autistic children and young people with associated needs.

We support pupils to achieve outcomes within their EHCPs while developing communication, life skills, and accredited learning in English, Maths, and Science. Our values-driven approach, known as the Four C’s, promotes curiosity, confidence, courage, and strong communication skills.

Through a personalised, holistic curriculum, pupils are supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they prepare for adulthood.

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

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

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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