Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young pupils with autism in their learning and emotional development.
- Company: Join a leading school with over 16 years of experience in autism education.
- Benefits: Enjoy life assurance, pension schemes, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with neurodiverse children; no specific qualifications required.
- Other info: Permanent, term-time role starting September 2025 at a new school opening in Luton.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 21000 £ per year.
Job Overview
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
4DWW will be rolled out within our school when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!
We are looking for Teaching Assistants to join our new Options Autism School – Claystone School in Luton, Bedfordshire. The school will have capacity for 48 pupils aged 4-11 years old and is scheduled to open in January 2025.
Our New Options School will cater for pupils with ASC and Complex Needs.
- Salary: £21,000 per annum (not pro-rata)
- Hours: 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday
- Contract: Permanent, Term Time only
- Start: September 2025
About The Role
The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with complex young people who have needs including neurodiversity, communication and sensory difficulties, and associated complex needs. You should be keen to help develop our nurturing approach to help our young people achieve successful outcomes.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will connect directly with pupils and young people, helping to ensure they get the best from their education. Each individual has a diagnosis of Autism and may have additional needs. They have much potential, and you will guide their learning journeys bespoke to their needs.
You will help prepare learning materials, run classroom activities, and support their emotional and physical needs, helping them develop as individuals and engage with the world.
Every day will be different, but you will have support, skills, and guidance to help you thrive and grow in your career.
About The School
Our new Options Autism School – Claystone School in Luton, Bedfordshire, opened in January 2025, with capacity for 48 pupils aged 4-11 years old, catering for pupils with ASC and Complex Needs.
Options Autism has over 16 years of experience providing care and education for individuals with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we lead the sector in innovative approaches that deliver measurable outcomes.
In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth consecutive year.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important, and you will receive an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to mental health support and health checks
Our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, allows you to choose benefits such as:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- Discount options in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment
Every day, knowing your role positively impacts others, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will undergo social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS.
#1 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Teaching Assistant employer: TES FE News
Contact Detail:
TES FE News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with autism and complex needs. Understanding the specific challenges and strengths of neurodiverse individuals will not only help you connect better with the pupils but also demonstrate your commitment to their education during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the community. Attend local events or workshops related to autism and special educational needs. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working with children, especially those with additional needs. Highlight any relevant volunteer work or training that aligns with the nurturing approach the school values.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the school and its ethos. Understanding the mission and values of Claystone School will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your personal philosophy aligns with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Teaching Assistant. Highlight your passion for working with young people with complex needs and how your skills align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience, particularly in education or support roles. Emphasise any experience you have with neurodiversity, communication difficulties, or working with children with autism.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the school’s mission. Share specific examples of how you’ve supported young people in the past and your approach to fostering a nurturing learning environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-organised and clearly formatted.
How to prepare for a job interview at TES FE News
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with complex needs. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping young people achieve their potential.
✨Understand Autism and Complex Needs
Familiarise yourself with autism spectrum conditions and the specific challenges faced by children with complex needs. Being able to discuss these topics knowledgeably will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your ability to connect with the pupils.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported a child or resolved a challenging situation, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to education and support for pupils with autism. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if the school’s values align with yours.
