Teaching Assistant
| Posting date: | 02 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £23,638.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 23 February 2026 |
| Location: | Southampton |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 302131FAJ |
Summary
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
Job title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of £500.00!**
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available
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
No two days are the same at Dibden Park School. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in supporting pupils to engage with learning, build confidence and develop independence—both in and beyond the classroom.
You’ll work closely with teachers and pupils to support academic progress, personal development and wellbeing, adapting your approach to meet individual needs in a dynamic and supportive environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
Supporting pupils with their learning, both academically and personally
Preparing learning materials and leading classroom or small-group activities
Supporting pupils’ emotional, social and physical development
Assisting teachers to deliver engaging lessons, indoors and outdoors
Building positive relationships and contributing to a collaborative team culture
Sharing your skills while learning from experienced colleagues
What We’re Looking For
A caring, adaptable and proactive approach
Confidence working with pupils with a range of needs and abilities
Patience, creativity and understanding when responding to individual needs
A strong team player who thrives in a supportive, collaborative environment
At Dibden Park, you won’t just support learning — you’ll inspire it. You’ll help pupils overcome challenges, celebrate achievements and grow as individuals. With training, guidance and the support of a dedicated team, this is a role where you can truly make a difference while developing your own skills and career.
About Us
Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. Pupils benefit from staff who understand their individual needs and remove barriers to engagement. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park empowers every pupil to achieve their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.
We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the 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.
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
4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay*
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £250 after completion of month three (3) and one further payment of £250 upon completion of your final probation period - month six (6) or later. Terms and Conditions Apply
#1
Job title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of £500.00!**
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available
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
No two days are the same at Dibden Park School. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in supporting pupils to engage with learning, build confidence and develop independence—both in and beyond the classroom.
You’ll work closely with teachers and pupils to support academic progress, personal development and wellbeing, adapting your approach to meet individual needs in a dynamic and supportive environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
Supporting pupils with their learning, both academically and personally
Preparing learning materials and leading classroom or small-group activities
Supporting pupils’ emotional, social and physical development
Assisting teachers to deliver engaging lessons, indoors and outdoors
Building positive relationships and contributing to a collaborative team culture
Sharing your skills while learning from experienced colleagues
What We’re Looking For
A caring, adaptable and proactive approach
Confidence working with pupils with a range of needs and abilities
Patience, creativity and understanding when responding to individual needs
A strong team player who thrives in a supportive, collaborative environment
At Dibden Park, you won’t just support learning — you’ll inspire it. You’ll help pupils overcome challenges, celebrate achievements and grow as individuals. With training, guidance and the support of a dedicated team, this is a role where you can truly make a difference while developing your own skills and career.
About Us
Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. Pupils benefit from staff who understand their individual needs and remove barriers to engagement. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park empowers every pupil to achieve their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.
We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the 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.
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
4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay*
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £250 after completion of month three (3) and one further payment of £250 upon completion of your final probation period - month six (6) or later. Terms and Conditions Apply
#1