Overview
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy. We are opening two brand-new Options Autism schools in County Durham to provide exceptional education and support for pupils with a variety of needs, including Autism. Strawberry Lane School, also located in Durham, accommodates 60 pupils aged 11 to 19 years. We are looking for a passionate SEN Teaching Assistant to contribute to the growth and success of this new school, with a start date in January 2026.
Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Strawberry Lane School - Durham, DH6 5BE
Salary: £20,906.25 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time only
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
This is an exciting opportunity to join our brand new school from day one and help shape a supportive, inclusive culture for pupils and staff alike. We are looking for passionate, committed individuals who are eager to be part of something meaningful and help build the foundation of a truly special learning community.
As a Teaching Assistant, You Will
* Work closely with pupils to guide their learning journeys
* Support teachers in delivering engaging, tailored lessons
* Prepare materials and lead small group or individual activities
* Help pupils meet emotional, social, and physical needs
* Encourage independence, confidence, and participation
* Support both classroom-based and outdoor learning experiences
You will play a vital role in helping each pupil flourish in a setting built around respect, care, and understanding.
What We’re Looking For
* Have experience working with children or young people, ideally in a school or SEN setting
* Are adaptable, compassionate, and proactive in their approach
* Thrive in a team-focused environment and are committed to collaboration
* Are confident supporting both structured learning and creative, outdoor experiences
Most importantly, you should be motivated by a desire to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.
How to Learn More
For more information about the roles please contact to set up an informal call.
Why join Options Autism?
For over 16 years Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running. We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you will wake every day knowing 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
Our colleagues well-being is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we continually seek ways to improve work/life balance. We are trialling a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW), meaning you could work four days and have one day off each week (or equivalent). 4DWW will be rolled out within our school when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year. Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll receive an exceptional reward package including:
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* Your Wellbeing Matters — access to mental health support services and health checks
And a Market-leading Benefits Package 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
* Hundreds 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 covering 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; 4DWW is subject to successful probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Outcomes First Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All stages of the recruitment process are subject to safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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