Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Holywell Full-Time 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support pupils with Autism in their learning journeys and daily activities.
  • Company: Join Chestnut Hill, a leading independent school for autistic young people aged 8-19.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, mental health support, and a four-day work week for better work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while working in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
  • Qualifications: GCSE C or above in English and Maths; experience with young people with additional needs is essential.
  • Other info: Located in Holywell, Wales, we prioritise pupil wellbeing and offer diverse learning opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.

– no sponsorship available

Get Paid for 5 Days, Work Just 4

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 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 !

About the Role

As part of our continued growth, Chestnut Hill School, part of Options Autism, is excited to welcome Teaching Assistants to our incredible team. This is more than a job—it’s a chance to build a meaningful career in education, supporting pupils with Autism to achieve far more than they ever believed possible.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing and inspiring learning environment where every pupil feels understood, valued and supported.

You’ll work closely with pupils who have a diagnosis of Autism, some with additional learning needs, guiding their personalised learning journeys and celebrating every success along the way.

Your role will include:

  • Supporting pupils in the classroom and beyond, helping them access learning in ways that work for them
  • Preparing learning materials and supporting engaging, hands-on activities
  • Supporting pupils’ emotional, social and physical wellbeing
  • Encouraging independence, confidence and positive relationships
  • Working flexibly across indoor and outdoor learning environments
  • Learning from experienced colleagues while developing your own skills and confidence
  • No two days are the same—but every day brings purpose, progress and pride.

    Who we are looking for

    We’re seeking caring, adaptable and motivated individuals who are ready to make an impact.

    Essential:

  • GCSE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths
  • A high standard of literacy and numeracy skills
  • Experience working with young people in an education or care setting
  • A flexible, patient and responsive approach
  • Highly Desirable:

  • Experience supporting ALN/SEN pupils, particularly those with Autism
  • You’ll be comfortable taking on a variety of roles—from supporting classroom learning and leading activities, to supervising outdoor experiences and helping pupils explore the world around them.

    About Us

    Chestnut Hill is a small, independent school catering to autistic pupils and young people aged 8-19.

    We aim to provide an inclusive, safe, inspiring and supportive environment in which our pupils are encouraged to form friendships, aspire and believe in themselves, discover new ways of learning, develop skills for life, know they are valued and have a sense of belonging. The student’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything Chestnut Hill will do, and we aim to build close relationships with parents/guardians and work collaboratively with alternative provision professionals, such as speech and language, art and occupational therapists. To support students\’ specific needs. We will always strive for the very best for our young people.

    Our individually tailored curriculum will cover all Areas of Learning (AoLE\’s) from the New Welsh Curriculum, in imaginative and flexible ways for pupils ages 8 to 19. We aim to provide Regular opportunities for pupils to access a wide range of activities including yoga, cycling, forest school, swimming and coaching in inclusive and traditional sports by external coaches and internal facilitators.

    We are located in Holywell, a beautiful market town and community in Flintshire, Wales.

    For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

    Why Join Options Autism?

    We put pupil outcomes at the heart of everything we do, so every day you’ll know your work is making a meaningful impact.

    We are committed to 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:Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefitsHundreds of UK and international discountsCycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily 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.

    *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.

    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

    Teaching Assistant employer: Chestnut Hill School

    At Chestnut Hill, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our Teaching Assistants. Located in the picturesque town of Holywell, Flintshire, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your health and wellbeing, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Join our passionate team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic pupils, all while enjoying a collaborative culture that values teamwork and personal fulfilment.
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    Contact Detail:

    Chestnut Hill School Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with autism and additional learning needs. Understanding the specific challenges and strengths of autistic pupils will help you connect better with them during your interview and demonstrate your commitment to their education.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Showcase your adaptability. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've successfully adapted your approach to meet the diverse needs of students, especially in a classroom setting.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Highlight your teamwork skills. Since the role involves working closely with other educators and support staff, be ready to share instances where you've collaborated effectively in a team to achieve positive outcomes for students.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Research Chestnut Hill and its values. Understanding the school's mission and how it supports its pupils will allow you to align your answers with their ethos, showing that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.

    We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

    GCSE C or above in English and Maths
    Experience working with young people with additional learning needs (ALN/SEN)
    Strong communication skills
    Empathy and patience
    Adaptability to different classroom roles
    Ability to prepare learning materials
    Experience in running classroom activities
    Teamwork and collaboration skills
    Understanding of autism and related challenges
    Behaviour management techniques
    First aid knowledge
    Organisational skills
    Creativity in lesson planning
    Ability to build rapport with pupils

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with young people or in educational settings. Emphasise your GCSEs in English and Maths, and any specific skills related to supporting pupils with additional learning needs.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your understanding of the challenges faced by autistic pupils. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and caring approach.

    Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your high standard of literacy and numeracy skills. If you have experience working with ALN/SEN young people, make sure to detail this, as it is highly desirable for the role.

    Showcase Teamwork Experience: Since the role requires great teamwork, include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. This could be in educational settings or any other team-based environments.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Chestnut Hill School

    ✨Show Your Passion for Education

    Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with pupils, especially those with additional needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a positive impact in their lives.

    ✨Demonstrate Adaptability

    Be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to various classroom roles and environments. Provide examples of times when you've successfully adjusted your approach to meet the needs of different learners.

    ✨Highlight Relevant Experience

    If you have experience working with young people with Autism or additional learning needs, be sure to mention it. Discuss specific strategies you've used to support their learning and emotional well-being.

    ✨Ask Insightful Questions

    Prepare thoughtful 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 their mission.

    Teaching Assistant
    Chestnut Hill School
    Location: Holywell
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