Teaching Assistant in Rugby

Get Paid for 5 Days, Work Just 4. At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

About the Role

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people? As part of our exciting growth, Stretton Shires School is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to join our warm, dedicated, and supportive team. Here, every day brings new opportunities to help pupils develop confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive—both inside the classroom and beyond. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to help every young person achieve their full potential. Your role will be varied, hands-on, and deeply rewarding — no two days are ever the same!

You will:

• Provide personalised support in line with each pupil’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
• Help pupils build vital communication, social, and life skills
• Assist teachers in delivering creative, high-quality learning experiences
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure every child’s success
• Create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every learner can flourish
• Keep accurate records and contribute to planning and progress reviews
• Support personal care for pupils as required

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Compassionate, patient, and deeply committed to supporting young people with autism and additional needs
• Resilient, proactive, and ready to take on new challenges in a rewarding environment
• Interested in (or experienced with) autism and Special Educational Needs (SEN)
• Ideally experienced in education, care, or support settings, though full training will be provided
• Qualified in English and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent)
• Motivated to make a genuine impact and grow within a supportive team
• Holder of a Full UK Driving Licence

At Stretton Shires School, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that genuinely cares — where your wellbeing matters as much as your professional growth. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference every day, helping pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

About us

Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 – 18. Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations. Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided 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 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?

We put pupil outcomes at the heart of everything we do, so every day you’ll know your work is making a meaningful impact. 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
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista: 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

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.