Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with autism in their learning and emotional development.
- Company: Join Options Autism, a leader in care and education for those with complex needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, mental health support, and a fantastic reward package.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with neurodiverse individuals; no specific experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a newly opened school with a vibrant community and innovative approaches.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
, Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
About the Role
This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a passionate team from the very beginning, helping to build a positive, supportive school culture where every child feels valued and understood. As a Teaching Assistant, youâll play a key role in creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences and supporting pupilsâ social, emotional, and academic development.
You will:
Every day will be different â but every day, youâll see the direct impact of your work on childrenâs confidence, growth, and happiness.
What We\âre Looking For
Weâre seeking individuals who are:
Experience in education, care, or support roles is welcome â but not essential. Weâll provide full, high-quality training to help you build confidence and thrive in your role.
Youâll be part of a supportive, close-knit team where your work has real impact every day. We value staff wellbeing, professional growth, and celebrating successes â both big and small.
Apply today and help shape brighter futures for every pupil.
About the school
Claystone School â a brand-new specialist school in Luton for autistic children aged 4â11, recently opened in January 2025.
Situated in Pepperstock, Luton, Claystone School is a small, independent setting supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and a range of additional learning difficulties. We provide a nurturing environment where each childâs unique strengths and contributions are recognised and celebrated, helping them reach their full potential.
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 âGreat Place to Workâ for the sixth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
We put pupil outcomes at the heart of everything we do, so every day youâll 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
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*Youâll 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
Teaching Assistant employer: Claystone School
Contact Detail:
Claystone School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
â¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with autism and complex needs. Understanding the specific challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals will not only help you connect better with the pupils but also demonstrate your commitment to their education during interviews.
â¨Tip Number 2
Engage with relevant communities or forums online. By participating in discussions about teaching strategies for children with autism, you can gain insights and tips that will be valuable in your role and show your proactive approach to learning.
â¨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or shadowing in similar educational settings. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also provide you with real-life examples to discuss during your interview, showcasing your dedication to the role.
â¨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the field of special education. Attend workshops or seminars related to autism and complex needs, as this can help you make connections that might lead to job opportunities and give you a deeper understanding of the environment you'll be working in.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific responsibilities and requirements of a Teaching Assistant. Highlight your passion for working with young people, especially those with neurodiversity and complex needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work with children or individuals with autism and complex needs, showcasing your ability to support their learning journeys.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the position and the schoolâs mission. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to nurturing and supporting young people with diverse needs.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight skills such as patience, empathy, communication, and adaptability. These are crucial for a Teaching Assistant role, especially when working with pupils who have unique challenges.
How to prepare for a job interview at Claystone School
â¨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with young people, especially those with complex needs. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to helping them achieve their potential.
â¨Demonstrate Understanding of Neurodiversity
Familiarise yourself with neurodiversity and the specific challenges faced by individuals with autism. Be prepared to discuss strategies you would use to support their learning and emotional needs.
â¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that present hypothetical situations you might encounter in the classroom. Think about how you would handle various challenges, such as managing sensory overload or facilitating communication.
â¨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration Skills
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team to support students' learning and wellbeing.
