SEND Teaching Assistant

Job Role:  SEND Teaching Assistant

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

• Location: Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY

• Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday 8.30am-5pm | Tuesday 8.30am-4.30pm | Wednesday 8.30am-5pm | Thursday 8.30am-4pm | Friday 8.30am-4pm

• Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

• Start:        February 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy. We’re thrilled to announce the opening of Trimdon Hill School, a brand-new Options Autism school in County Durham, providing exceptional education and support for pupils with Autism and other complex needs.

We are currently recruiting dedicated SEND Teaching Assistants to join our team and help shape the future of this exciting school. As a Teaching Assistant at Trimdon Hill School, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting pupils’ learning, confidence, and independence. This is an opportunity to inspire, lead, and grow alongside our pupils.

You will be:

• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils

• Supporting engaging classroom activities and preparing resources

• Encouraging positive routines and behaviour

• Meeting emotional and physical needs

• Participating in outdoor learning, trips, and enrichment activities

• Being a consistent, positive presence throughout school life

You’ll be supporting pupils with Autism and complex needs, so empathy, resilience, and a proactive, can-do attitude are essential.

Trimdon Hill School isn’t just a new school — it’s a place where every child is supported to shine. Join us and help shape this exciting journey from day one!

Who We’re Looking For

We want enthusiastic, compassionate individuals who are committed to making a difference. Experience is valuable but not essential — attitude, empathy, and willingness to learn matter most.

Ideally, you will have:

• GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) in English and Maths or equivalent

• Experience working with children or young people, especially with SEN needs

• A flexible, proactive approach to supporting learning

• Caring, patient attitude and strong communication skills

• Genuine passion for helping pupils reach their full potential

School-based experience is desirable, but your enthusiasm and empathy are what will make you a perfect fit for our team.

About Us

Trimdon Hill School, located in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, is a brand-new school that opened in June 2025. The school caters for 40 pupils aged 4 to 11 years with a diagnosis of autism, who may also have a range of complex learning needs, communication challenges, and sensory difficulties.

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 really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ 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 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.

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.

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.

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