Teaching Assistant

Description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

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, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW - and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join .

Job title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD

Salary: GBP22,160.62 per annum ( not pro rata )

Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Contract: Permanent Term Time Only

Start: January 2026

UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

As part of our continued growth, Dibden Park School, part of Acorn Education, is looking for a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs, helping them reach their full potential in a supportive, nurturing environment.

About the Role

Every day is different at Dibden Park. As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

Work closely with pupils to guide their learning, supporting both academic and personal developmentPrepare learning materials and lead classroom or small-group activities tailored to individual needsSupport pupils' emotional, social, and physical development, helping them gain confidence and independenceAssist teachers in delivering engaging lessons, both indoors and outdoorsShare your skills and knowledge while learning from colleagues in a collaborative, team-focused environmentWhat We're Looking For

A caring, adaptable, and proactive approach to working with pupils with diverse needsConfidence working in a variety of settings, from classroom lessons to outdoor learning experiencesAbility to respond to individual pupil needs with patience, creativity, and understandingA team player who thrives in a supportive and collaborative school environmentAt Dibden Park, you won't just support learning-you'll inspire it. You'll play a pivotal role in helping pupils overcome challenges, achieve milestones, and flourish as individuals. Every day brings new opportunities, and with guidance, training, and support, you'll develop your skills and grow your career alongside a dedicated and passionate team.

About Us

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school based in Southampton. We provide inclusive education within a safe and nurturing environment for students with complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. Our focus is on meeting each pupil's individual needs and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK's leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve 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 Acorn Education?

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.

Benefits

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

Life AssurancePension 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 checksAnd 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 benefits100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroadCycle to Work SchemesElectric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

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.

Ad ID: 5417470761