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 were putting wellbeing first.
Thats why were 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 its already in place or just around the corner, nows the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary: 23,638.00 per annum (not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of 500.00!**
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available
As part of our continued growth, Dibden Park School, part of Acorn Education, is looking for a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs, helping them reach their full potential in a supportive, nurturing environment.
About the Role
Every day is different at Dibden Park. As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
* Work closely with pupils to guide their learning, supporting both academic and personal development
* Prepare learning materials and lead classroom or small-group activities tailored to individual needs
* Support pupils emotional, social, and physical development, helping them gain confidence and independence
* Assist teachers in delivering engaging lessons, both indoors and outdoors
* Share your skills and knowledge while learning from colleagues in a collaborative, team-focused environment
What Were Looking For
* A caring, adaptable, and proactive approach to working with pupils with diverse needs
* Confidence working in a variety of settings, from classroom lessons to outdoor learning experiences
* Ability to respond to individual pupil needs with patience, creativity, and understanding
* A team player who thrives in a supportive and collaborative school environment
At Dibden Park, you wont just support learningyoull inspire it. Youll play a pivotal role in helping pupils overcome challenges, achieve milestones, and flourish as individuals. Every day brings new opportunities, and with guidance, training, and support, youll develop your skills and grow your career alongside a dedicated and passionate team.
About Us
Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school based in Southampton. We provide inclusive education within a safe and nurturing environment for students with complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. Our focus is on meeting each pupils individual needs and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are part of Acorn Educationand can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UKs leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve 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 youll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
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 youll 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 thats right for you, including:
* A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
* 100s 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.
*Youll 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.
**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of 250 after completion of month three (3) and one further payment of 250 upon completion of your final probation period - month six (6) or later. Terms and Conditions Apply
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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