1. September 2025 Start
Options Trent Acres is an outstanding independent specialist school providing 141 places for pupils aged 5 to 19 with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties.
Set across two well-resourced sites in Staffordshire, including a modern, purpose-built school and a newly built college setting, we offer both academic and vocational learning experiences in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Our 12-acre rural site features specialist facilities such as:
2. Indoor and outdoor riding schools
3. Outdoor gymnasium
4. Animal care areas with horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, and chickens
5. Extensive opportunities for outdoor and experiential learning
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, bespoke education packages with a strong emphasis on learning outside the classroom. At Trent Acres, no two days are the same — and every pupil’s success is celebrated.
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.
The opportunity
Enjoy a meaningful career where your support can make a real difference.
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll connect closely with our pupils — all of whom have a diagnosis of Autism and may have additional needs — and help deliver personalised, engaging learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.
You will:
6. Support the planning and delivery of lessons and activities
7. Help prepare learning materials and provide one-to-one and group support
8. Promote emotional and physical wellbeing, encouraging positive development
9. Supervise pupils during classroom tasks and outdoor learning sessions
10. Work hands-on with animals and nature-based resources
11. Contribute to a nurturing, respectful, and inspiring school culture
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. You’ll be supported by a committed team, with access to high-quality training, mentorship, and the chance to grow your own career.
Who We're Looking For
We’re looking for someone who is:
12. Flexible and adaptable to a variety of roles and settings
13. Calm, compassionate, and genuinely passionate about working with young people
14. A team player who values collaboration and shared learning
15. Ready to take initiative and be responsive to individual pupil needs
Qualifications required:
16. GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)
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.
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:
17. Life Assurance
18. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
19. “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:
20. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
21. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
22. Cycle to Work Schemes
23. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
24. Critical illness cover
25. 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
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