At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young pupils with additional needs to thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Trimdon Hill School, a new independent specialist school focused on autism support.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above; passion for supporting children.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a positive, inclusive school environment.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 25000 ÂŁ per year.
At Outcomes First Group, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy.
Location: Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY
Salary: ÂŁ22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Rota: Monday 8.30amâ5.00pm | Tuesday 8.30amâ4.30pm | Wednesday 8.30amâ5.00pm | Thursday & Friday 8.30amâ4.00pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only â this role does not offer sponsorship.
Are you compassionate, energetic, and passionate about helping young people thrive? If so, Trimdon Hill School would love to hear from you.
What Youâll Do
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, youâll help pupils feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. You will support pupils with their learning and engagement, encourage them to achieve personal and academic goals, promote positive behaviour and social-emotional development, and build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues. Youâll also contribute to a safe, inclusive, and positive school environment.
Who Weâre Looking For
- Essential:
- GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above, or ability to demonstrate equivalent skills
- Strong spoken and written English
- A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs
- A calm, compassionate, and proactive approach
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Experience in a school or SEN setting
- Understanding of autism, SEMH, or trauma-informed practice
- Willingness to learn and develop professionally
Application Guidance
As part of your application, please include a supporting statement addressing the following:
- Tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in this role.
- Referring to the job description, explain why you consider yourself suitable for the post.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience, using examples where possible.
- Explain how you would contribute to the role and the school if appointed.
Weâre looking for applicants who bring enthusiasm, authenticity, and a proactive approach to supporting pupils.
About Us
Trimdon Hill School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, supporting pupils aged 4â11 with autism and associated complex needs. Opened in June 2025, we provide a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where every child is supported to SHINE. Our personalised, autism-informed curriculum develops communication, social interaction, and curiosity through rich, inclusive learning. Working closely with families and clinical professionals, we support each childâs progress, independence, and readiness for the next stage of education.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided high-quality care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading the sector in delivering innovative approaches that provide measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults. We are 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 place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so youâll wake every day knowing your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. 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
- âYour Wellbeing Mattersâ â mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista â 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
Note: 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. While 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.
SEND Teaching Assistant in North East employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant in North East
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Trimdon Hill School and its values. When you walk into that interview, show us you understand our mission and how you can contribute to creating a safe and nurturing environment for our pupils.
â¨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your experiences align with the role of a SEND Teaching Assistant. Use specific examples to demonstrate your passion for supporting children with additional needs and how youâve made a difference in similar situations.
â¨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! We want to see your authentic self during the interview. Show us your enthusiasm and genuine interest in helping young people thrive. Remember, weâre looking for someone who fits in with our compassionate and proactive team.
â¨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows us youâre keen on the role and appreciate the opportunity to chat about how you can support our pupils at Trimdon Hill School.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant in North East
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and why you're passionate about supporting young people. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Match Your Skills: Take a good look at the job description and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. Use specific examples to show us why you're the perfect fit for the SEND Teaching Assistant role.
Show Your Enthusiasm: We love applicants who bring energy and enthusiasm! Make sure to express your excitement about the role and how you can contribute to creating a positive environment for our pupils.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this fantastic opportunity at Trimdon Hill School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
â¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a SEND Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with autism and other complex needs. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine passion for supporting these pupils.
â¨Share Your Experiences
When discussing your background, highlight any relevant experiences you've had in schools or SEN settings. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've supported children in the past, especially those with additional needs. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
â¨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, let your compassionate side shine through. Talk about why youâre passionate about helping young people thrive and how you approach building trusting relationships with pupils and families. This is key for a role that focuses on emotional and social development.
â¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to inclusion or how they support professional development. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and eager to contribute positively to the school environment.