Teaching Assistant in Peacehaven

About the school

Bestwood Village School is based in Nottingham and has capacity for 30 pupils. This is an exciting opportunity for anybody who wants to be part of the successful development of a fairly new setting and make a difference to the education of our pupils.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils 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.

The role

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Bestwood Village School, Nottingham NG6 8TL

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start: September 2026

As a Teaching Assistant you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality education and care to our students. Working closely with class teachers, tutors, and our multi-professional team, you will help create a safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential.

This role is ideal for someone who is patient, resilient, and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with autistic spectrum disorder.

Key responsibilities

• Support class teachers and tutors in delivering high-quality education, implementing all relevant policies, and creating a structured, autism-appropriate learning environment.
• Provide individual and group support to students to help them access the curriculum, develop independence, and progress socially, emotionally, and academically.
• Assist with planning, risk assessments, and the creation, updating, and evaluation of student documentation including IEPs, BSPs, risk assessments, and communication profiles.
• Help manage challenging behaviour using consistent strategies that promote students’ development from external control to self-control.
• Contribute to the preparation of teaching resources, classroom organisation, and the effective use and maintenance of equipment and learning materials.
• Work collaboratively with teaching, care, and multi-professional teams, maintaining strong communication to ensure a consistent approach between school, home, and other departments.
• Support students with morning routines and personal care where required, ensuring their safety, wellbeing, and safeguarding at all times.
• Maintain accurate records, follow all safeguarding, behaviour, and health & safety policies, and engage in ongoing training, meetings, and professional development.

Requirements

• Level 1, 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
• Previous TA experience required.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, guide and support staff.
• A commitment to safeguarding, high standards and inclusive practice.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams.
• A positive, resilient and collaborative approach.

Benefits & package

• 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 benefits, hundreds of UK and international discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme, critical illness cover, and family growth support including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.