– no sponsorship available
About the Role
Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people? As part of our exciting growth, Stretton Shires School is seeking a passionate Teaching Assistant to join our warm, dedicated, and supportive team. Here, every day brings new opportunities to help pupils develop confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive—both inside the classroom and beyond.
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to help every young person achieve their full potential. Your role will be varied, hands-on, and deeply rewarding — no two days are ever the same!
You will:
1. Provide personalised support in line with each pupil’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
2. Help pupils build vital communication, social, and life skills
3. Assist teachers in delivering creative, high-quality learning experiences
4. Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to ensure every child’s success
5. Create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every learner can flourish
6. Keep accurate records and contribute to planning and progress reviews
7. Support personal care for pupils as required
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking someone who is:
8. Compassionate, patient, and deeply committed to supporting young people with autism and additional needs
9. Resilient, proactive, and ready to take on new challenges in a rewarding environment
10. Interested in (or experienced with) autism and Special Educational Needs (SEN)
11. Ideally experienced in education, care, or support settings, though full training will be provided
12. Qualified in English and Maths at Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent)
13. Motivated to make a genuine impact and grow within a supportive team
14. Holder of a Full UK Driving Licence
At Stretton Shires School, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team that genuinely cares — where your wellbeing matters as much as your professional growth. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference every day, helping pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About us
Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 – 18.
Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations.
Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone 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 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.
15. Life Assurance
16. Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
17. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
18. Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:Health, wellbeing and insurance benefitsHundreds of UK and international discountsCycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily Growth Support, including 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 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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