Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover
Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Leicester Full-Time 17900 - 22200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Outcomes First Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students in reaching their academic potential in a classroom setting.
  • Company: Join Oakham Shires School, part of Options Autism, dedicated to empowering students with special educational needs.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 4-Day Working Week, life assurance, pension scheme, and extensive wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and caring environment.
  • Qualifications: GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English; driving licence preferred.
  • Other info: Fixed term maternity cover role, term time only, with interviews on September 23rd and 24th.

The predicted salary is between 17900 - 22200 £ per year.

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB

Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

Contract: Fixed Term – Maternity Cover, Term Time only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Please note, any applications received after July 15th won’t be reviewed until school recommences after the summer break at the end of August.

We will be interviewing for this position Tuesday September 23rd and Wednesday September 24th.

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at Oakham Shires School, part of Options Autism.

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant at Oakham Shires, you will be supporting our students to reach their full Academic potential.

Supporting students within a classroom setting, you will ensure that each student is supported in the way most appropriate for them. The needs of our students vary from individual to individual, and from day to day, so you will ensure that they understand the tasks being undertaken, and that they have all the resources that they require.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for enthusiastic staff, who are caring and compassionate, and have a desire to help and support our SEN students to achieve their full potential.

You will be educated to the equivalent of GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English. You will play a pivotal role in working with our students to meet their Education Health Care Plan outcomes empowering and equipping them with the tools they need to be happy, healthy and make their way in the world.

Essential:

  • GCSE equivalent Maths & English
  • UK Driving licence – we require this as our pupils often have days out into the local area, this will allow you to make sure they are experiencing fulfilling days out and activities!
  • Experience of working with autistic spectrum disorders and/or challenging behaviour (highly desirable)
  • Experience of working within an educational setting (highly desirable)

About the school

Oakham Shires School is an Independent SEN School, part of the Options Autism group.

Students are supported to achieve their Outcomes within their Education Health Care Plan, develop life skills, and achieve accreditations in Maths, English and Science

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to students, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. 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 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

  • Life Assurance
  • Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
  • “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

  • A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
  • 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
  • Cycle to Work Schemes
  • Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.

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 - Maternity Cover employer: Outcomes First Group

At Options Autism, we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff, offering a unique 4-Day Working Week trial that allows you to enjoy a better work/life balance while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our SEN students. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with access to exceptional benefits including mental health support, flexible options, and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. Join us at Oakham Shires School, where your contributions will be valued and rewarded in a nurturing environment.
Outcomes First Group

Contact Detail:

Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with autism and challenging behaviours. Research best practices in supporting these students, as this knowledge will be invaluable during your interview.

Tip Number 2

Highlight any relevant experience you have in educational settings, especially with SEN students. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've supported students in the past.

Tip Number 3

Show your enthusiasm for the role by engaging with the school's mission and values. Be ready to express why you want to work at Oakham Shires School and how you align with their commitment to student wellbeing.

Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand more about the school's approach to education and support for its students.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Strong Communication Skills
Empathy and Compassion
Ability to Support Students with SEN
Classroom Management
Patience and Understanding
Adaptability to Individual Student Needs
Experience with Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Knowledge of Education Health Care Plans
Teamwork and Collaboration
Organisational Skills
Basic IT Skills for Educational Tools
First Aid Certification (desirable)
Driving Licence for Student Outings

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with SEN students or in educational settings. Emphasise your qualifications, particularly your GCSEs in Maths and English.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting students with special educational needs. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your caring and compassionate nature.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are essential for the role, such as patience, adaptability, and communication. If you have experience with autistic spectrum disorders, make sure to include that.

Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions provided by the school. Ensure you submit your application before the deadline and include all required documents to avoid any delays.

How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group

Show Your Passion for Education

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with students, especially those with special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a role as a Teaching Assistant.

Highlight Relevant Experience

Discuss any previous experience you have in educational settings or working with children, particularly those with autism or challenging behaviour. Be specific about your roles and the impact you had on the students.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about examples where you've successfully supported a student or resolved a conflict, and be ready to share these during the interview.

Demonstrate Your Understanding of SEN

Familiarise yourself with the principles of supporting students with special educational needs. Be prepared to discuss how you would adapt your approach to meet the diverse needs of students and ensure they achieve their full potential.

Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover
Outcomes First Group
Location: Leicester
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