At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' learning and emotional needs while leading activities and supervising outdoor experiences.
- Company: Join Acorn Education, a leader in specialist education for vulnerable pupils across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension scheme, and access to mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on pupils' lives in a supportive team environment with rewarding work.
- Qualifications: GCSE C or above in English and Maths preferred; adaptability and caring nature are essential.
- Other info: Mandatory training days included; role based in Truro with commuting options available.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Overview
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Job title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Oak Tree School, Truro, TR4 9NH
Salary: £25,115.37 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 42.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Oak Tree School, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, feel valued and discover what they are capable of achieving. We are looking for enthusiastic and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our supportive team and help create an environment where pupils feel confident, motivated and inspired to learn. This role is more than classroom support — it’s about helping pupils build confidence, develop independence and realise their potential every single day.
Responsibilities
- As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work closely with teachers to support pupils with a range of learning needs, helping them engage with lessons and make meaningful progress.
- You’ll provide one-to-one and small group support, assist with lesson preparation and create opportunities for pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally.
- From classroom learning to outdoor activities and practical experiences, every day will bring something new — and every day you’ll see the difference your support makes.
- Supporting pupils with their learning, development and wellbeing
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to help pupils engage with lessons
- Assisting teachers with lesson preparation and classroom activities
- Encouraging pupils to develop confidence, independence and resilience
- Supporting a variety of indoor and outdoor learning experiences
- Building positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and the wider school community
- Contributing to a supportive, inclusive and collaborative school environment
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone caring, flexible, and enthusiastic — confident working both indoors and outdoors, able to adapt to the needs of individual pupils, and ready to model the school’s values of patience, kindness, and teamwork.
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues
- Supporting learning, behaviour, and social development effectively
- Flexibility to work across classrooms, outdoor learning, and other activities
- A proactive, collaborative approach and commitment to inclusion
If this is the role for you and you want to make a real difference, please apply today.
About Us
Oak Tree School in Truro is a specialist SEMH provision supporting children and young people with social, emotional, mental health, communication, and associated needs.
We provide a nurturing, structured environment where pupils rebuild confidence, engage with learning, and develop independence. A personalised curriculum, therapeutic support, and life skills teaching help remove barriers and promote wellbeing.
Working closely with families, we empower every pupil to thrive, achieve their potential, and prepare for a successful future.
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.
Benefits
- 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
- 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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Teaching Assistant employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education 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 social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. Understanding their unique requirements will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your adaptability and teamwork skills. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team or adapted to changing situations, as these qualities are highly valued in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the school’s ethos and values. Research Oak Tree School and Acorn Education to understand their mission and approach to education, so you can align your responses and show genuine interest in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your commitment to ongoing professional development. Highlight any relevant training or courses you've completed, especially those related to supporting vulnerable pupils, as this will demonstrate your dedication to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Teaching Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to mention your GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent) prominently in your CV. If you have any additional qualifications or training related to supporting pupils with SEMH needs, include those as well.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your adaptability, caring nature, and teamwork skills. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully supported students or worked in a team environment.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the safeguarding-compliant application form thoroughly. Ensure all sections are completed accurately and double-check for any errors before submitting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with supporting pupils with SEMH needs.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with vulnerable pupils and your commitment to making a positive impact on their lives. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to education.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is highly valued in this role, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous positions. Highlight your ability to support colleagues and work towards common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving pupils with challenging behaviours. Think through potential scenarios and how you would apply your training and instincts to ensure a safe and supportive environment.