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 with SEMH and/or Autism Specialism

Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB

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

Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent Term Time only

Start: November 2025

UK applicants only; no sponsorship offered.

At The Holden School, part of Acorn Education, we believe every young person has untapped potential - and every day offers the chance to help them realise it. We're looking for a dedicated Teaching Assistant with SEMH and/or Autism Specialism to join our team and make a meaningful impact on pupils with varied and complex needs.

About the Role

This isn't just a classroom role - it's an opportunity to empower, nurture, and inspire. You'll help pupils grow in confidence, independence, and curiosity, all within a supportive, inclusive school environment where your contribution truly matters.

What You'll Do

Provide 1:1 or small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs and/or AutismAssist teachers in planning and delivering activities that spark curiosity and progressLead small group sessions and support one-to-one interventionsOffer emotional, social, and practical support to pupils as they navigate school lifeContribute to creating a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environmentSupport outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and personal development initiativesWho We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is:

Adaptable and proactive, able to support pupils in a variety of settingsCaring and patient, with a genuine interest in helping young people thriveTeam-focused, working alongside skilled staff in a supportive environmentWilling to learn, open to training and professional developmentWhether you're supporting classroom activities, engaging in outdoor learning, or helping pupils gain independence and confidence, your input will shape lives.

Join us at The Holden School - where every day is an opportunity to inspire, support, and grow.

About Us

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build con???dence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

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 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. 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: 5417470808