. This role does not offer sponsorship.
We’re thrilled to be expanding our team at Claystone School, a brand-new Options Autism school in Luton that opened its doors in January 2025.Catering for up to 48 pupils aged 4–11 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex needs, Claystone offers a nurturing, creative, and inclusive environment where every child can flourish.
We’re now looking for dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistants to help us shape this exciting new chapter — and make a real difference in the lives of our pupils every single day.
About the Role
This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a passionate team from the very beginning, helping to build a positive, supportive school culture where every child feels valued and understood. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a key role in creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences and supporting pupils’ social, emotional, and academic development.
You will:
1. Support learning and development – Work closely with pupils to build confidence, communication, and independence.
2. Prepare and assist with engaging activities – Help bring lessons to life with creativity and enthusiasm.
3. Provide individualised support – Tailor your approach to meet each pupil’s unique needs and goals.
4. Nurture wellbeing – Promote a calm, caring, and safe environment where pupils can thrive.
5. Collaborate with colleagues – Work closely with teachers, therapists, and fellow support staff to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Every day will be different — but every day, you’ll see the direct impact of your work on children’s confidence, growth, and happiness.
What We're Looking For
We’re seeking individuals who are:
6. Passionate about supporting children with autism and complex needs
7. Resilient, patient, and empathetic, even on challenging days
8. Team players, who value collaboration and shared success
9. Adaptable and eager to learn, with a positive, can-do attitude
10. Qualified with GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
Experience in education, care, or support roles is welcome — but not essential. We’ll provide full, high-quality training to help you build confidence and thrive in your role.
You’ll be part of a supportive, close-knit team where your work has real impact every day. We value staff wellbeing, professional growth, and celebrating successes — both big and small.
Apply today and help shape brighter futures for every pupil.
About the school
Claystone School is a small, independent school supporting children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), who may also have a range of additional needs. Located in Pepperstock, Luton, the school caters for up to 48 pupils aged 4–11, providing a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where children with ASC and complex needs can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
For over 19 years Options Autism have 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.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
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:
11. Life Assurance
12. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
13. “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:
14. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
15. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
16. Cycle to Work Schemes
17. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
18. Critical illness cover
19. 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.
#1