SEN Teaching Assistant

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

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, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time 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.

We are excited to be recruiting Teaching Assistants for our brand-new Options Autism school – Claystone School, located in Luton. The school opened in January 2025 and will cater for up to 48 pupils aged 4–11 with Autism (ASC) and complex needs.

Our New Options School will cater for pupils who have ASC and Complex Needs.

Salary : £21,000 per annum (not pro rata)

Location : Claystone School, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 4LL

Hours : 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8 : 15am-4 : 15pm

Contract : Permanent, Term Time only

Start : November 2025

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for supporting children with additional needs. Our pupils have autism and associated communication, sensory, and complex needs, and we are looking for caring, patient, and resilient individuals to help them thrive.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will :

Work closely with pupils to support their learning, social, and emotional development.

Prepare learning materials and assist with engaging classroom activities.

Provide individualised support, helping pupils achieve their personal goals.

Support pupils’ physical and emotional wellbeing in a nurturing and safe environment.

Collaborate with teachers and colleagues to deliver creative and tailored learning experiences.

No two days will be the same, but every day will be rewarding. With the right training and guidance, you’ll be equipped to make a lasting difference in the lives of our pupils. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn new skills, develop professionally, and grow your career within Options Autism and the wider Outcomes First Group.

What We're Looking For

Passionate about working with children with autism and complex needs.

A positive, resilient, and empathetic approach.

Willingness to learn and adapt, with strong teamwork skills.

Experience in education, care, or support roles is desirable, but not essential — full training will be provided.

Qualifications Requirement :

GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths

About the school

Our brand-new Options Autism school – Claystone School in Luton, Bedfordshire – is designed to support up to 48 pupils aged 4–11, providing a nurturing and specialist environment for children with ASC and complex needs.

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?

We place the outcomes of the pupils 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.

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.

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

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of 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.

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