At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers in creative teaching for pupils with varied needs.
- Company: Join Oakfield House School, a leading specialist school for autistic pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension scheme, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English; experience in SEN/ASC is a plus.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful country house setting with a strong leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 21200 £ per year.
How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four? Our colleagues' wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we're always looking for new ways to improve everyone's work/life balance. We're taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent). If the trial is a success, we'll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group so there's never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!
Location: Oakfield House School, Salwick PR4 0YH
Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: September 2025
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our close-knit team at Oakfield House School, part of Options Autism.
About the role
We are looking for experienced Learning Support Assistants to join our fantastic team. As a Learning Support Assistant, you will support our teachers to take a creative approach to teaching pupils according to their educational needs, maximising pupils' achievement and ability to develop. This is a great opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant who is looking to start or continue their career in Education and is motivated to inspire learning in pupils with varied and complex needs.
Your work will be challenging and rewarding in equal measure, and you will be working in a school where we maintain a strong safeguarding culture, where pupils are listened to, respected and involved in as many decisions as possible. Quality is always top of our agenda, and we pride ourselves on the quality of what we do.
We are looking for a Learning Support Assistant who can work with individual and small groups of pupils, preparing classrooms and materials, and building positive relationships with pupils to promote interaction and learning. Our Learning Support Assistants offer essential support to our teachers and have the opportunity to assist in the planning and delivery of lessons in a creative and positive setting.
Whilst previous experience of working in an SEN/ASC environment would be desirable, excellent support skills and the right motivation, personal qualities and levels of resilience are just as important. These roles are ideal for people working in customer-facing industries including retail, hospitality, and leisure, looking for a new role that makes a real difference to pupils' lives and futures.
We need people who share our vision to build incredible futures by empowering students in the UK, to be happy and to make their way in the world. Educated to GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English, you will be calm, engaging, resilient, enjoy working as part of a team, and be genuinely motivated by helping every pupil to reach their potential.
About us
Oakfield House School is a specialist Primary School for autistic pupils and those associated with Autism/Learning or Complex Communication and Behaviour needs. The school has a strong and committed leadership team. Our school is a country house built in the 1880s, set in eight acres of beautiful parkland. We cater for 45 boys and girls aged between 4 and 12 years old. The site is situated in Salwick near Preston and is within commutable distance from Preston, Blackpool, Chorley, Leyland and surrounding areas.
For over 16 years, Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
Benefits
- Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
- A market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And that's not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Learning Support Assistant employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with autism and complex communication needs. Understanding these challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting their learning during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current trends in education, particularly around inclusive teaching practices. Being able to discuss innovative approaches to learning can set you apart as a candidate who is proactive and passionate about education.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those working with special educational needs. This can provide you with insights and connections that may lead to opportunities or recommendations for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your interpersonal skills during the interview process. Building positive relationships with pupils is crucial, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with individuals in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in educational settings or roles that involve supporting individuals with special educational needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for education and your motivation to support pupils with varied needs. Mention why you are interested in the Learning Support Assistant role at Oakfield House School and how your values align with their mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as patience, resilience, and teamwork. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with children or in customer-facing roles, showcasing your ability to build positive relationships.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in an educational environment.
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 Learning Support Assistant does. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined, especially in supporting pupils with varied and complex needs.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working in education and your commitment to helping students succeed. Share specific examples of how you've inspired or supported learners in the past, particularly those with special educational needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations that may arise in the classroom. Think about scenarios involving challenging behaviour or how to engage a pupil who is struggling, and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to safeguarding, how they support staff wellbeing, or what a typical day looks like for a Learning Support Assistant. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.