Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
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, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
This isn’t just a classroom role — it’s an opportunity to empower, nurture and inspire.
As a Teaching Assistant at The Holden School, you’ll support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and/or Autism, helping them grow in confidence, independence and curiosity. You’ll work within a supportive and inclusive environment where your contribution genuinely makes a difference every single day.
You’ll play a key role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop positive relationships, and achieve meaningful progress both academically and personally.
What You’ll Do
* Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs and/or Autism
* Assist teachers in planning and delivering engaging activities that promote progress and curiosity
* Lead small group sessions and targeted one-to-one interventions
* Offer emotional, social and practical support as pupils navigate school life
* Contribute to creating a safe, structured and positive learning environment
* Support outdoor learning, enrichment activities and personal development initiatives
* Promote positive behaviour and model appropriate social interactions
Who We're Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
* Adaptable and proactive, able to support pupils across different settings and activities
* Caring and patient, with a genuine passion for helping young people thrive
* Resilient and calm, particularly when supporting pupils with additional needs
* A strong team player who works collaboratively alongside skilled colleagues
* Willing to learn, open to training and committed to professional development
Whether you’re supporting classroom activities, engaging in outdoor learning, or helping pupils gain independence and confidence, your input will shape lives.
Join us at The Holden School — where every day is an opportunity to inspire, support and grow.
About Us
The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for pupils aged 5–16, supporting children with SEMH, autism, and complex needs.
We provide a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment with personalised learning plans and expert on-site therapy support. Small classes and a dedicated staff team help pupils develop academic, social, and life skills while building confidence and resilience. With two sites in Leigh and access to outdoor and community-based learning, we prepare every child for a successful and fulfilling future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
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 Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. 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.
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
* Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
o Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
o Hundreds of UK and international discounts
o Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
o Critical illness cover
o Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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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