Teaching Assistant

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).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Due to growth in our service, we are recruiting multiple Teaching Assistants to join our amazing team at Stretton Shires School, Stretton, Rutland. Let us invest in you, by upskilling you to build your career in a thriving and friendly environment, where our children and young people are at the forefront of everything we do. We can offer you an extensive training package, if you have the desire there are many qualifications available for our Teaching Assistants to work towards. Many of our Teaching Assistants even choose to go on to complete the ‘Teachers of Tomorrow’ programme to become fully qualified teachers – the opportunities are endless!

• £20,906.25 per annum
• 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
• Permanent; Term Time only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

We are looking for staff who have a passion for working with our pupils, have a compassionate, caring manner and a mature, non-judgemental approach to life. You will be a clear communicator and show resilience in everything you do.

About the role

We are seeking people who thrive on working in a challenging, but immensely rewarding and fulfilling environment, who are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and who truly want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Our ideal candidates will be people who want to support the health and development of children and young people both in school, and in community settings, with the core aim of preparation for adulthood.

You will ideally have some knowledge and understanding or an interest in autism and a desire to develop your skills and knowledge in this field.  

Previous experience in education or caring for and supporting autistic young people or young people who have learning disabilities is desirable but not essential. You will play a pivotal role in working with our pupils to meet their Education Health Care Plan outcomes, empowering and equipping them with the tools and skills they need to be happy, healthy and make their way in the world.

We have a strong safeguarding culture, where pupils are listened to, respected and involved in as many decisions as possible.

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 in their adult lives.

For over 16 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?

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

And that’s not all, 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 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.

*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.