At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?
Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).
4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #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
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: September 2025
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our ongoing growth, we’re excited to offer a rewarding opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to become a valued member of our dedicated team at Parkside House School, located in Backworth.
About the Role
You’ll play a key part in delivering high-quality educational support to our students, working in line with company policies and the standards set by the regulatory body. This role is vital in helping our learners thrive both academically and personally.
Key Responsibilities
Work alongside class teachers and tutors to help deliver exceptional education to all students
Support the implementation of school policies and procedures within the classroom setting
Provide tailored support to individual students or small groups to help them engage with the curriculum as independently as possible
Promote students’ physical, educational, and moral development in accordance with our values and policies
Ensure resources and classroom equipment are used effectively, stored appropriately, and any maintenance issues are reported promptly
Please note: A full UK driving licence is required, as the role may involve working across both of our school sites in Backworth and Ashington.
About Us
Parkside House School is an Independent Special School. Our school aims to provide a high-quality education package to pupils who have difficulties in relating to education or others within a mainstream setting.
The school is registered to accommodate 35 pupils from 10 – 18 years; we specialise in teaching pupils with Emotional, Social and Behavioural needs, and with other associated learning and cognitive difficulties.
The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each pupil’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable, and understanding.
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.
Acorn Education is part of the Outcomes First Group.
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
4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!*
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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