Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Leeds Full-Time 19360 - 25000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support pupils with autism in their learning and emotional development.
  • Company: Join Options Autism, a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people.
  • Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, pension schemes, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English required; no prior teaching experience necessary.
  • Other info: Work 80% of your hours for full pay, giving you more time for yourself.

The predicted salary is between 19360 - 25000 ÂŁ per year.

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week! Job Title:Teaching Assistant Location:Meadowcroft School, Wakefield, WF1 4AD Salary:£25,115.37 per annum (not pro rata) Hours:42.5 hours per week | Mon–Wed 8:00am–4:30pm | Thu 8:00am–5:30pm | Fri 8:00am–3:30pm Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Start:February 2026 UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship 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 will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join#teamOFG! About the Role As part of our continued growth, we are looking for a SEN Teaching Assistant to join the close-knit team at Meadowcroft School. You will provide hands-on, personalised support to students with complex learning needs, helping to deliver lessons, implement individual plans, and create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. You’ll be instrumental in helping students access the curriculum, develop independence, and thrive both academically and socially. Key Responsibilities Support the class teacher/tutor in delivering high-quality education for all students Assist with implementing relevant education policies and procedures Provide individual or group support to enable students to access the curriculum independently Promote students’ physical, educational, and moral development Maintain and organise equipment and resources, reporting any maintenance issues Support classroom organisation, displays, and student groupings suitable for students with autism Assist in writing, updating, implementing, and evaluating student documentation, including BSPs, Risk Assessments, IEPs, Communication Profiles, and Pastoral Support Plans Collaborate with the class teacher/tutor to plan activities and ensure student safety on and off-site Produce teaching aids and resources as requested Contribute positively as a member of the school’s multi-professional team About You Experience supporting students with special educational needs, particularly autism Strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills Patience, adaptability, and a proactive approach Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children About Us Meadowcroft School is an independent specialist day school across four sites in Wakefield, supporting pupils with complex SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties. We provide a safe, nurturing environment with personalised support, small classes, and a broad, balanced curriculum. Our dedicated team works with families, therapists, and external professionals to remove barriers and celebrate progress. We prepare every pupil to build confidence, essential life skills, and a pathway to future success. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. 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 . #1

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Contact Detail:

Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with autism and complex communication needs. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former Teaching Assistants, especially those who have worked in similar environments. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even share tips on how to stand out during the application process.

✨Tip Number 3

Demonstrate your adaptability by sharing examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled diverse situations. This is crucial for a role that requires flexibility in working with different pupils and their unique needs.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Options Autism and their approach to education. Being knowledgeable about their values and methods will help you align your answers during any discussions, showing that you're a great fit for their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

Empathy
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Teamwork
Behaviour Management
Patience
Creativity in Lesson Planning
Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Emotional Support Skills
Classroom Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Prepare Learning Materials
Observation Skills
First Aid Certification

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. Emphasise any previous work with children, especially those with special educational needs or autism.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your desire to support vulnerable pupils. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and caring approach.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your GCSE Maths and English qualifications, as these are essential for the role. If you have any additional training or certifications related to teaching or special needs, be sure to include them.

Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role involves working as part of a dedicated team, provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. This could be in educational settings or other team environments.

How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand what a Teaching Assistant does, especially in a specialist school setting. Familiarise yourself with the needs of pupils with autism and complex communication needs, as this will show your commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Adaptability

Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've had to adapt to different situations or needs. This role requires flexibility, so demonstrating your ability to adjust your approach based on individual pupil requirements will be crucial.

✨Highlight Teamwork Skills

Since the role involves working closely with a team, be ready to share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others. Emphasise your ability to support colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment, which is essential in a nurturing educational setting.

✨Prepare Questions

Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to supporting pupils or how they measure success. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Teaching Assistant
Outcomes First Group
Location: Leeds
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