Teaching Assistant

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2DZ
Salary:     £23,638.00 per annum (FTE, not pro rata)
Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        March 2026

UK applicants only — no sponsorship available

Essential: Full UK Driving Licence

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 will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant at Underley Garden School, you’ll support pupils aged 5–19 with Autism and additional needs such as SEMH, ADHD, and communication challenges. You’ll work closely with teachers and support staff to deliver personalised learning experiences, build trust, and foster emotional, social, and academic growth. Every day is different, and every interaction makes a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Support 1:1 and group learning in classroom and off-site settings

• Prepare learning materials and assist in delivering tailored lessons and activities

• Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and independence

• Support personal care routines where required (feeding, toileting, etc.)

• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants with or without prior education experience, provided you bring:

• A genuine passion for supporting young people with additional needs

• Patience, empathy, and resilience

• Flexibility to adapt to a variety of learning environments and pupil needs

• Willingness to engage in all aspects of school life — from lessons to outdoor learning

• Team spirit and commitment to making a positive difference

• Full UK Driving Licence

About Us

Underley Garden School, near Kirkby Lonsdale, is a specialist independent school for young people aged 5–19 with autism, learning difficulties, and complex needs.

We provide a holistic, person-centred approach combining education, therapy, and care to support personal, social, and academic growth. Small classes and highly trained staff ensure every pupil receives tailored support to develop confidence, independence, and life skills.
Set on a private estate near the Lake District, we offer a nurturing environment where pupils can thrive and engage with the wider community.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

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 Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. 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.

• 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

  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

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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