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.
Job Title: Learning Support Assistant
Location: Parkside House School, Backworth, NE27 0AB
Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:30-16:00
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: November 2025
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Parkside House School, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive — to discover their potential, grow in confidence, and find joy in learning. We’re looking for a compassionate and committed Learning Support Assistant to join our dedicated team and help make that happen.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a caring, inclusive school where relationships and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. As a Learning Support Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in helping pupils with additional needs engage fully with their education.
You’ll work alongside teachers and tutors to deliver personalised support, create engaging learning experiences, and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Each day will bring fresh challenges and rewards as you help pupils build independence, resilience, and confidence in themselves.
If you’re patient, creative, and passionate about helping children succeed — this could be the perfect role for you.
Key Responsibilities
* Support teachers and tutors in delivering high-quality, individualised learning experiences
* Provide one-to-one and small group support to help pupils access the curriculum and reach their potential
* Promote pupils’ personal, social, and emotional development through encouragement and positive relationships
* Assist in preparing and maintaining engaging classroom environments and resources
* Uphold school policies and safeguarding practices to ensure every child feels safe and supported
Qualifications Required
* GCSE Level or equivalent in English and Maths
Please note: A full UK driving licence is required, as this role may involve working across both of our school sites in Backworth and Ashington.
About Us
Welcome to Parkside House School, an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Independent Special School with sites in Backworth and Ashington. We provide specialist teaching, small class sizes, bespoke timetables, and a nurturing, friendly environment for pupils aged KS2 Year 6–KS5. Our school supports students with SEMH needs and associated learning difficulties, including autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, and oppositional defiance disorder. Pupils thrive academically, socially, and personally, guided by a passionate, experienced team dedicated to unlocking their potential.
Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education and care for vulnerable pupils and young people. 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 Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults 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 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.
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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