Teaching Assistant

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:       Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB

Salary:           £20,906.25 per annum

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

Contract:       Permanent, Term Time only

Start date:     January 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at The Shires, part of Options Autism. 

As a Teaching Assistant at Oakham Shires, you will be supporting our Pupils to reach their full Academic potential. 

Supporting pupils within a classroom setting, you will ensure that each pupil is supported in the way most appropriate for them.  The needs of our pupils vary from individual to individual, and from day to day, so you will ensure that they understand the tasks being undertaken, and that they have all of the resources that they require. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking for staff with a knowledge and understanding of Autism and developmental trauma, who can apply that knowledge in all their dealings and interactions with the young people we support.  We use an “in their own time and space” philosophy to support our pupils to navigate their lives. We focus on understanding behaviour for communication and use this to help support their social and emotional development. We have a strong safeguarding culture, where pupils are listened to, respected and involved in as many decisions as possible. 

You will be educated to GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English and ideally you will have experience of supporting autistic teenagers that have struggled throughout their school journey to achieve their academic and life goals; 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 they need to be happy, healthy and make their way in the world. 

Essential:

• GCSE Maths & English
• UK Driving licence - we require this as our pupils often have days out into the local area, this will allow you to make sure they are experiencing fulfilling days out and activities!

About the school

Oakham Shires School is an Independent SEN School which provides education for 11-18 year olds with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition. 

The school offers a unique mix of education and support to pupils within a wide spectrum of needs and abilities.  Personalised teaching and learning in an autism specific environment allow pupils’ individual needs to be addressed completely and their capabilities fully realised.

Pupils are supported to achieve their Outcomes within their Education Health Care Plan, develop life skills, and achieve accreditations in Maths, English and Science

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
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

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.

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