Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Newbury Full-Time 21600 - 36000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people with their education and emotional needs in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: New Barn School empowers neurodiverse pupils aged 6-19 to achieve their potential.
  • Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, pension options, mental health support, and flexible benefits tailored for you.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and rewarding team.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SEMH and SEN pupils is a plus; a caring attitude is essential.
  • Other info: Work 80% of your hours for full pay, giving you more time for what you love.

The predicted salary is between 21600 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.

. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Join Our Team and Make a Real Difference

We’re looking for enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join New Barn School, now part of Options Autism, and help pupils thrive. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a supportive, inspiring environment where your skills make a meaningful impact every day.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll help pupils feel confident, supported, and ready to learn.

Your day-to-day will include:

  • Supporting pupils with autism and complex additional needs
  • Helping prepare and deliver engaging learning activities tailored to individual needs
  • Providing hands-on classroom support under the guidance of teachers
  • Nurturing pupils’ emotional wellbeing and independence
  • Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues
  • Contributing to a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment
  • You’ll join a committed, collaborative team where every contribution matters.

    About You

    We welcome applications from people who are:

  • GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
  • Experienced Teaching Assistants in SEN or mainstream settings eager to work with pupils with autism
  • Confident in supporting pupils with complex needs
  • Compassionate, adaptable, resilient, and willing to learn
  • Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
  • Happy to adopt a therapeutic, nurturing approach
  • About Us

    New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites.

    We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.

    For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone 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 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.

  • 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 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.

    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: New Barn School

    At New Barn School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching work environment for our Teaching Assistants. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including mental health support and flexible options tailored to your needs. Join our passionate team and enjoy the opportunity for personal growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable pupils aged 6-19 in a nurturing and inclusive setting.
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    Contact Detail:

    New Barn School Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice đŸ€«

    We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant

    ✹Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of SEMH pupils. Understanding their challenges and how to support them can set you apart during interviews. Research therapeutic approaches to teaching, as this is a key aspect of the role.

    ✹Tip Number 2

    Connect with current or former Teaching Assistants in similar settings. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and the skills that are most beneficial for success in this role.

    ✹Tip Number 3

    Showcase your adaptability and caring nature in conversations. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported young people, especially those with additional needs.

    ✹Tip Number 4

    Demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare. Familiarise yourself with relevant policies and be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your role as a Teaching Assistant.

    We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant

    Adaptability
    Empathy
    Communication Skills
    Teamwork
    Classroom Management
    Understanding of SEMH Needs
    Therapeutic Approach to Teaching
    Patience
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Creativity in Lesson Planning
    Emotional Intelligence
    Support for SEN Pupils
    Organisational Skills
    Ability to Build Rapport with Pupils

    Some tips for your application đŸ«Ą

    Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Teaching Assistant. Highlight your adaptability and caring approach in your application.

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience, especially if you have worked with pupils with SEMH needs or SEN. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support young people effectively.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable pupils. Mention any therapeutic approaches you are familiar with and how they can benefit the students.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in an educational setting.

    How to prepare for a job interview at New Barn School

    ✹Show Your Passion for Education

    Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with young people and your commitment to their education. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past, especially those with SEMH needs.

    ✹Demonstrate Adaptability

    Highlight your ability to adapt to different situations and respond to the unique needs of each pupil. Discuss any experiences where you had to modify your approach to support a student effectively.

    ✹Familiarise Yourself with Therapeutic Approaches

    Since the role involves working with SEN/SEMH pupils, it’s beneficial to understand therapeutic teaching methods. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these strategies in the classroom.

    ✹Prepare Questions About the School's Vision

    Research New Barn School's mission and values. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in their approach to education and how you can contribute to their goals of empowering neurodiverse pupils.

    Teaching Assistant
    New Barn School
    Location: Newbury

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