Teaching Assistant

We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work

Job title:  Teaching Assistant
Location: Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB
Salary:     £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time
Start:        August 2026

UK applicants only. No sponsorship available

About the Role

Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a genuine difference every day?

As Oakham Shires School continues to grow, we’re looking for caring, enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our supportive team. Whether you already have experience in education or are looking for a new career with purpose, this is an opportunity to develop your skills while helping young people with autism and complex needs achieve their potential.

You’ll work closely with teachers and the wider school team to provide personalised support that helps pupils engage with learning, build confidence and develop greater independence. From classroom activities and creative projects to outdoor learning and community experiences, no two days will be the same.

Most importantly, you’ll become a trusted and consistent adult in a young person’s life—celebrating progress, supporting them through challenges and helping them discover what they’re capable of.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support, helping pupils access learning and achieve their individual goals.

• Support teachers in delivering creative, engaging and personalised learning activities.

• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

• Encourage communication, independence, confidence and social development.

• Support pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour using calm, consistent and positive approaches.

• Take part in classroom, outdoor and community-based learning, helping pupils develop valuable life skills.

• Work collaboratively with teachers and the wider team to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need years of SEN experience to make a difference. We’re looking for people who are:

• Caring, patient and passionate about helping young people succeed.

• Calm and resilient, particularly when supporting pupils through challenging moments.

• Positive, adaptable and willing to get involved in different activities.

• Confident communicators who can build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues.

• Team players with a genuine commitment to inclusive education.

• Motivated to learn, develop and build a rewarding career within specialist education.

Essential

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

• Full UK Driving Licence, as pupils regularly take part in community-based activities.

Desirable – But Not Essential

• Experience supporting autistic children or young people and/or those with complex needs or behaviours.

• Previous experience within a school, education, care, youth work or similar environment.

New to specialist education? If you have the right values, patience and motivation, we’ll support you to develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed. At Oakham Shires School, every achievement matters, and as a Teaching Assistant, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of those achievements every day.

About Us

Oakham Shires School is an independent SEN school, part of Options Autism, providing a nurturing environment for autistic children and young people with associated needs.

We support pupils to achieve outcomes within their EHCPs while developing communication, life skills, and accredited learning in English, Maths, and Science. Our values-driven approach, known as the Four C’s, promotes curiosity, confidence, courage, and strong communication skills.

Through a personalised, holistic curriculum, pupils are supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they prepare for adulthood.

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

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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