Teaching Assistant

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

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!

Job Title:     Teaching Assistant

Location:     Acorn Park School, Norwich

Salary:       £20,906.25

Hours:            37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm

Contract:         Permanent, Term Time only

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at Acorn Park School located in Norwich.

Join us today to receive a £1000 Welcome Bonus. *£1000 paid once you start employment and £1000 after successful completion of final probation – there has never been a better time to join us’* T&Cs apply! *

Job purpose

To provide a high quality education support service to Service Users and in accordance with Company policies, procedures and practices and the standards set by the Regulatory Body.

Responsibilities

Service Users (as defined by the relevant service e.g. Young People/Young Adult/Students)

• To support the class teacher/tutor in order to ensure the delivery of a high quality education for all students
• To support the class teacher and/or tutor to ensure that all relevant education policies and procedures are implemented in full
• To provide relevant and appropriate support to students, on an individual or group basis, in order to enable them to access the curriculum as independently as possible
• To promote, in line with Company policies, the physical, educational and moral development of the students
• To ensure that the available equipment and resources are used, stored and maintained efficiently, reporting any maintenance issues to the appropriate staff
• To support the class teacher and/or tutor in organising the classroom, its resources, student groupings and displays to provide a stimulating learning situation appropriate for students with autistic spectrum disorder
• To support the teacher/tutor to write, update, implement and evaluate documentation relating to the individual student. This will include Behaviour Support Profile (BSP), Individual Risk Assessment, Individual Education Plan, Communication Profile, and Pastoral Support Plan as required and appropriate.

To view the job description, please click here - Teaching Assistant JD

About us

Acorn Park is a school for 98 pupils, who all have a primary diagnosis of Autism. We run two curriculum pathways – Formal and Semi-formal. Our Complex needs pupils are on the Semi-Formal Pathway which is highly personalised from their EHCP. We have a mixture of Day and Residential pupils as we have 8 co-located pupil’s homes on our 30 Acre site in rural Norfolk. On site, we also have a large Forest School and Animal Care Farm along with play facilities, a sports hall and sensory rooms.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 

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?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

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.

Equal Opportunities

*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.

**Welcome Bonus payable as £1000 upon completion of probation (month 6) and a further £1000 upon completing 12 months continuous employment.