Job Overview
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. 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. Whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Ashley Park School, Walton on Thames, KT12 1LE
Salary: £22,300 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent; Term Time only
Start: October 2025
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
Are you looking for a career where each day brings new challenges, unforgettable moments, and the opportunity to truly change a young person’s life for the better? At Ashley Park School, that’s exactly what we offer—and so much more.
About The Role
We’re seeking compassionate, committed, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants who are passionate about supporting children and young people with autism and associated needs. You’ll play a vital role in a supportive, close-knit teaching team, helping our brilliant pupils thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Key Responsibilities
* Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
* Support pupils’ emotional, educational, and social development
* Assist in delivering tailored lessons and creative learning activities
* Encourage independence, confidence, and positive behaviours
* Work both in the classroom and outdoors, making learning dynamic and fun
* Offer 1:1 and small group support, helping pupils to manage their emotions and build relationships
* Every pupil is unique—and your role will be just as varied. From preparing engaging resources to providing emotional support, you’ll be making a real and lasting difference.
Who We’re Looking For
Whether you’re experienced or just beginning your journey, what matters most is your attitude and values.
* Empathetic, patient, and proactive
* Adaptable and resilient
* Great at building trust and relationships
* Passionate about helping children realise their potential
* Experience in SEND or autism support is highly desirable, but not essential—we provide full training and development opportunities to help you succeed.
* Desirable Experience: Working with pupils on the autistic spectrum; previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or in a similar support role
About The School
Ashley Park School is located in the market town on the south bank of the Thames in the borough of Surrey. It is part of the Greater London built-up area and is easily accessible by transport routes. Our new specialist school will cater for young people with complex communication needs, autism, and associated learning and emotional needs. Our aim is to help pupils excel through a structured, nurturing approach, with a broad, balanced, engaging, and richly resourced curriculum.
For over 16 years Options Autism has 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. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day knowing your role will have a significant positive impact on lives. 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 receive an exceptional reward package including:
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to mental health support and physical health checks
* Market-leading benefits through Vista, including: health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits; hundreds of discounts; Cycle to Work; Electric Car Purchase; critical illness cover; Family Growth Support (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. Outcomes First Group is committed to a fair, thorough recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed, we do not accept liability for any loss of earnings or costs incurred due to delays in the compliance process. All stages are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements.
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