recruitmentacorncare.co.uk in Newcastle upon Tyne

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.

Location: Parkside House School, Backworth, NE27 0AB

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro‑rate)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:30‑16:00

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start: February 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Parkside House School, we believe every young person deserves the chance to flourish — to discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and feel proud of who they are. We’re seeking a passionate Learning Support Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated team, where every day is an opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of our pupils.

About the Role

This is more than just a classroom role — it’s a chance to change lives. As a Learning Support Assistant, you’ll play a key part in helping pupils with additional needs engage with learning, overcome challenges, and achieve their personal best. You’ll work side‑by‑side with teachers and tutors to provide tailored support, nurture positive relationships, and build a classroom environment where every child feels valued, understood, and inspired to succeed. Each day brings new opportunities to spark curiosity, celebrate progress, and watch young people grow in independence, resilience, and confidence.

What You’ll Do

• Empower students – Provide tailored one‑to‑one and group support to help pupils build confidence and independence.
• Build connections – Develop positive relationships that nurture personal, social, and emotional growth.
• Support learning – Work with teachers to deliver engaging lessons and adapt activities to suit individual needs.
• Foster inclusion – Help create a welcoming, inspiring environment where every pupil feels valued and motivated.
• Ensure wellbeing – Follow safeguarding and school policies to keep every child safe and supported.

What We’re Looking For

• Compassionate, patient, and enthusiastic about helping young people succeed.
• Thrives in a supportive, team‑focused environment.
• Has an interest in working with pupils with autism or additional learning needs.
• Holds GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Has a full UK driving licence – this role may involve supporting across both our school sites in Backworth and Ashington.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults 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 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.

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, enabling 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.

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.

Equal Opportunities

All applicants will be treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.