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- Tasks: Support students with autism in a nurturing classroom environment.
- Company: Join Options Autism, a leader in special education and care for over 16 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, and flexible benefits tailored to you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others; experience is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Located near the beautiful Lake District, with a welcoming community.
The predicted salary is between 19300 - 25100 £ per year.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
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, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time 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.
Visits to Underley Garden School are Welcome to all applicants!
Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2DZ
Salary: £22,300.00 per annum (not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of £1,000**
Hours: Up to 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am – 4pm
Part Time and Full Time hours available – to be discussed at interview
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship
Candidates must have Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle to get to work
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at Underley Garden School, part of Options Autism.
About the Role
Are you looking for a meaningful career where every day you can help change a life?
We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team at Underley Garden School, part of Options Autism. You’ll be part of a supportive, nurturing environment helping pupils with Autism and complex needs reach their full potential.
This is a rewarding role where you’ll build trusted relationships, help create engaging learning experiences, and support students’ emotional, social, and physical development.
Key Responsibilities
- Support pupils aged 5–19 with a diagnosis of Autism and additional needs such as SEMH, ADHD, and communication difficulties
- Help prepare learning materials and assist in delivering personalised lessons and activities
- Provide 1:1 and group support, including supervision during lessons and off-site trips
- Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Support with personal care routines (e.g., feeding, toileting), depending on pupil needs
- Engage in both classroom-based and outdoor learning experiences
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that encourages pupils to thrive
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people with or without prior education experience. What matters most is that you bring:
- A genuine passion for working with young people with additional needs
- Patience, empathy, and resilience
- Flexibility to adapt to a variety of learning environments and pupil needs
- Willingness to engage in all aspects of school life – from lessons to life skills, play, and outdoor learning
- Team spirit and a commitment to making a positive difference
- Willingness to undertake training and grow within the role
You may have previous experience in education, care, hospitality, military, retail, or customer service – or this could be your first step into a deeply rewarding sector. Either way, we’ll support you with a comprehensive induction and development opportunities.
Our schools are built on great teamwork and mutual support. If you enjoy working as part of a dedicated team, sharing knowledge, experience and learning, simply fill in our safeguarding-compliant application form and a member of our team will be in touch.
About Us
Underley Garden School is a large school with small class sizes, focusing on pupils, aged 5-19, who have a range of complex needs associated with autism and learning disabilities, including complex communication, sensory and behavioural needs associated with their disabilities.
Our School adopts a holistic, person-centred approach to the development of our pupils and endeavours to ensure that they achieve as high a standard as possible. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of education, care and therapy to meet the individual requirements of students with complex special educational needs.
At Underley Garden, we aim to make a positive difference to the personal, social and learning lives of the people entrusted to our care.
Located near the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in a commutable distance of Lancaster, Cumbria and surrounding areas.
For over 16 years Options Autism have provided support 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?
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.
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
And 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
- 100’s 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.
Additional School Benefits
- Birthday Chocolates
- Gift Voucher at Christmas
- Medicash Wellbeing Health Expenses including Employee Assistance Programme and Anytime Healthline
- Team Building Days
- \’Go Green Initiative\’ – Every staff member who lives outside of a 10-mile radius from Underley Garden will receive a payment for five days travel per month. We encourage car sharing where possible
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
**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £500 after completion of month three and one further payment of £500 upon completion of your final probation period. Terms and Conditions Apply
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
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 other complex needs. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will show your commitment and passion for the role during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Visit Underley Garden School if possible! Engaging with the environment and meeting current staff can provide you with valuable insights and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who work with special educational needs. They can offer advice, share experiences, and may even refer you to opportunities within the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your adaptability and teamwork skills. The role requires working closely with others and being responsive to the needs of pupils, so having examples ready will help you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
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 experience working with children, especially those with special educational needs or autism.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting pupils with complex needs. Mention specific examples of how you have positively impacted others in previous roles, whether in education or other fields.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to education, child development, or special needs, be sure to include them. Even if you don't have formal qualifications, mention any training or workshops you've attended that are relevant to the role.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: In your application, express your enthusiasm for joining Underley Garden School and being part of a team that makes a difference in pupils' lives. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not convey the same level of passion.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with students, especially those with complex needs. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact on their lives.
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Teaching Assistant at Underley Garden School. Be prepared to discuss how you would support pupils with autism and other additional needs, as well as your approach to personal care duties.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The role requires flexibility in working both indoors and outdoors. Be ready to provide examples of how you've adapted to different situations in previous roles, showcasing your ability to respond to the varying needs of students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to education and support for pupils. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team effectively.
