Teaching Assistant

Job description

Job Description

At Outcomes First Schools, we believe in giving you the time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work!

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Acorn Park School, Banham, Norwich, NR16 2HU

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: November 2026

Note: UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Acorn Park School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. We’re on the lookout for compassionate, resilient, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated team and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people with SEND and complex needs.

This role is much more than just classroom support. You’ll be a vital part of helping students build confidence, develop independence, celebrate achievements, and reach their full potential. Whether you’re supporting learning, encouraging social development, or exploring outdoor activities, you’ll be there every step of the way.

No two days are the same, but every day is rewarding. If you’re seeking a role where your support truly matters, we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting students with SEND and complex needs to engage in learning and achieve their individual goals.
• Providing one-to-one and small group support both in and beyond the classroom.
• Building positive, trusted relationships that help students feel safe, valued, and confident.
• Promoting emotional wellbeing, positive behaviour, and social development.
• Encouraging independence, communication skills, and personal growth.
• Collaborating closely with teachers, families, and professionals to achieve the best outcomes for students.

What You Will Bring

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) required.
• A passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• The ability to build positive relationships and communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Patience, resilience, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative spirit and enjoyment of working as part of a supportive team.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

About Acorn Park School

Acorn Park School is an independent Autism specialist school located in rural South Norfolk, supporting autistic children and young people aged 4–19. Nestled within a large 37-acre private estate, we provide a safe, nurturing environment where students are at the heart of everything we do.

We offer two curriculum pathways, Formal and Semi-Formal, to cater to the diverse needs and abilities of our students. Our integrated clinical team provides a range of therapeutic approaches, including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Psychotherapy. With extensive facilities, including specialist subject spaces, outdoor education areas, and a commercial kitchen, we empower students to grow in confidence, develop independence, and thrive as they prepare for their next steps in life.

At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who require a deeper level of understanding, expertise, and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring, and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia, and experiences of trauma or adversity.

We are proud to be part of OFG Education, which was officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth consecutive year in 2025.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks, and successful applicants will undergo a fully enhanced DBS check.

Benefits Include:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to conducting a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants due to 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.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Thetford

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

23-10-2026

Profession type

Teaching / Instructors / Guides

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English