. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people. As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant- Pastoral and Behaviour), you will play a pivotal role in supporting pupils’ social, emotional, and academic development. Working closely with teachers, teaching assistants, and the pastoral team, you’ll deliver targeted interventions, promote positive behaviour, and help ensure that every pupil feels valued and included.
You will focus on mentoring, emotional coaching, and supporting self-regulation, helping pupils to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Your approach will be proactive, empathetic, and solution-focused, ensuring a nurturing and structured environment where every pupil can succeed.
Key Responsibilities
1. Mentor and coach Teaching Assistants and classroom staff
2. Deliver targeted interventions and personalised support for pupils, including time out of the classroom when needed
3. Work with the pastoral team to develop and implement behaviour improvement strategies
4. Support pupils in understanding and meeting school expectations for conduct and engagement
5. Model positive behaviour management and promote emotional resilience and self-regulation
6. Maintain accurate records of interventions and evaluate their effectiveness
7. Provide on-call behavioural support for staff as required
8. Lead self-reflection sessions and proactive interventions to reduce exclusions
9. Support the SEN team with inclusion practices, EHCP reviews, and individual learning plans
10. Contribute to safeguarding, personal development, and wellbeing of all pupils
About You
We’re looking for a compassionate, confident, and resilient professional who thrives on supporting young people with additional needs and enjoys being part of a team that truly makes a difference.
You will:
11. Be passionate about inclusion, positive behaviour, and emotional wellbeing
12. Have experience mentoring or supporting colleagues in educational or care settings
13. Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, building trust with pupils, families, and staff
14. Be confident delivering interventions and using emotional coaching strategies
15. Have a solid understanding of SEN, EHCP processes, and safeguarding procedures
16. Be proactive, solution-focused, and able to work independently when required
17. Be organised, reflective, and committed to accurate record-keeping and evidence-based practice
18. Model resilience, empathy, and professionalism at all times
About Us
Options Trent Acres School is an independent specialist school in rural Staffordshire for pupils with autism, trauma, attachment, anxiety, and other complex needs.
We provide a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where pupils feel valued and experience a sense of belonging. Small groups, high staff ratios, and personalised programmes support social, emotional, and academic development.
Integrated clinical care and strong family partnerships empower every pupil to build confidence, independence, and the skills to thrive in life
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.
19. Life Assurance
20. Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
21. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
22. 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.
#1