Teaching Assistant
| Posting date: | 16 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £22,160.62 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 13 February 2026 |
| Location: | Stretton |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 300865FAJ |
Summary
Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Stretton Shires School, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7GT
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship
Get Paid for 5 Days, Work Just 4
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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your 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 #teamOFG!
About the Role
Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people? As part of our exciting growth, Stretton Shires School is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to join our warm, dedicated, and supportive team. Here, every day brings new opportunities to help pupils develop confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive—both inside the classroom and beyond.
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to help every young person achieve their full potential. Your role will be varied, hands-on, and deeply rewarding — no two days are ever the same!
You will:
Provide personalised support in line with each pupil’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
Help pupils build vital communication, social, and life skills
Assist teachers in delivering creative, high-quality learning experiences
Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure every child’s success
Create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every learner can flourish
Keep accurate records and contribute to planning and progress reviews
Support personal care for pupils as required
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
Compassionate, patient, and deeply committed to supporting young people with autism and additional needs
Resilient, proactive, and ready to take on new challenges in a rewarding environment
Interested in (or experienced with) autism and Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Ideally experienced in education, care, or support settings, though full training will be provided
Qualified in English and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent)
Motivated to make a genuine impact and grow within a supportive team
Holder of a Full UK Driving Licence
At Stretton Shires School, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that genuinely cares — where your wellbeing matters as much as your professional growth. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference every day, helping pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About us
Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 – 18.
Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations.
Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.
For over 19 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?
We put pupil outcomes at the heart of everything we do, so every day you’ll know your work is making a meaningful impact.
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
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista:
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.
*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.
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Location: Stretton Shires School, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7GT
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: March 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship
Get Paid for 5 Days, Work Just 4
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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your 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 #teamOFG!
About the Role
Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people? As part of our exciting growth, Stretton Shires School is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to join our warm, dedicated, and supportive team. Here, every day brings new opportunities to help pupils develop confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive—both inside the classroom and beyond.
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to help every young person achieve their full potential. Your role will be varied, hands-on, and deeply rewarding — no two days are ever the same!
You will:
Provide personalised support in line with each pupil’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
Help pupils build vital communication, social, and life skills
Assist teachers in delivering creative, high-quality learning experiences
Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure every child’s success
Create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every learner can flourish
Keep accurate records and contribute to planning and progress reviews
Support personal care for pupils as required
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
Compassionate, patient, and deeply committed to supporting young people with autism and additional needs
Resilient, proactive, and ready to take on new challenges in a rewarding environment
Interested in (or experienced with) autism and Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Ideally experienced in education, care, or support settings, though full training will be provided
Qualified in English and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent)
Motivated to make a genuine impact and grow within a supportive team
Holder of a Full UK Driving Licence
At Stretton Shires School, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that genuinely cares — where your wellbeing matters as much as your professional growth. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference every day, helping pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About us
Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 – 18.
Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations.
Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.
For over 19 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?
We put pupil outcomes at the heart of everything we do, so every day you’ll know your work is making a meaningful impact.
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
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista:
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.
*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.
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