Teaching Assistant

Job description

Job DescriptionJoin Our Team as a Teaching Assistant!

Location: Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2DZ

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm

Salary: £23,638 per annum (not pro rata) + Travel allowance

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start Date: January 2027

Note: UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.

About the Role

Empowering Young People. Transforming Futures.

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with complex learning difficulties and disabilities? If you thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment where every day is an opportunity to inspire and empower, we want to hear from you!

As a Teaching Assistant at Underley Garden School, you will be an integral part of our vibrant school community. You’ll work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to support the personal, social, and academic development of our students across a 24-hour curriculum.

Your Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships and provide pastoral guidance to promote wellbeing and independence.
• Encourage positive behaviour and apply behaviour support strategies in line with school policies.
• Assist with out-of-school learning, trips, events, and enrichment activities.
• Help monitor and record progress, contributing to assessments and supporting student paperwork.
• Support young people with personal and medical care needs as required.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive learning environment throughout the school day.
• Assist teachers with learning activities, helping individuals and small groups to engage, progress, and achieve.

What You Will Bring

• Compassion, patience, and resilience.
• A knack for building positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• A team player who communicates effectively with colleagues and families.
• A willingness to support all aspects of school life — from learning to personal care to enrichment activities.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• A valid driving licence is required.

About Us

Underley Garden School is a large institution with small class sizes, focusing on students aged 5-19 who have a range of complex needs associated with autism and learning disabilities. Our holistic, person-centred approach ensures that every student achieves their highest potential.

Located near the picturesque market town of Kirkby Lonsdale, we are easily accessible from areas within Lancashire, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire. At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education tailored to learners who require a deeper level of understanding and support than mainstream education can typically offer.

Why Join Us?

At Outcomes First Schools, we place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do. Every day offers the rewarding experience of making a real difference in their lives. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students, and all applicants will undergo social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits and Opportunities

• 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

Note: We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. OFG Education is committed to a fair and thorough recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

kendal

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