. This role does not offer sponsorship.
Every child deserves a champion — someone who believes in them.
At Acorn Park School, part of Options Autism, we’re not just delivering education — we’re changing lives. And we’re looking for Teaching Assistants who are ready to do the same.
If you’re caring, committed, and ready to make a real difference every single day, we’d love to welcome you to our team.
About the Role
This is more than a classroom support role — it’s a chance to be part of something truly meaningful. You’ll work closely with pupils who have Autism and related needs, supporting them both academically and emotionally to unlock their full potential.
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll:
1. Support engaging, inclusive lessons tailored to individual needs
2. Work 1:1 and with small groups to build confidence and independence
3. Help create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
4. Support emotional regulation, behaviour plans, and well-being
5. Be hands-on in lessons, activities, and off-site educational visits
6. Work alongside teachers, therapists, and pastoral teams to give every pupil the best possible chance to succeed
Every day will bring new moments of joy, challenge, and growth — for your pupils and for you.
What We're Looking For
We’re not looking for perfection — we’re looking for passion, patience, and potential. You might be starting out, changing careers, or already experienced in education or care — if you’re committed to supporting neurodivergent learners, you’ll fit right in.
You’ll need:
7. GCSEs in English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent)
8. A positive, proactive attitude
9. Strong communication and teamwork skills
10. The resilience to stay calm, compassionate, and consistent
11. A genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of young people
Experience working with autism is helpful — but not essential. We provide full training, ongoing support, and plenty of opportunities to grow.
About us
Acorn Park is a school for 160 pupils, all with a primary diagnosis of Autism. We run two curriculum pathways — Formal and Semi-Formal. Our Complex Needs pupils follow the Semi-Formal Pathway, which is highly personalised according to their EHCPs. We have a mix of Day and Residential pupils, supported by 8 co-located pupil homes on our 30-acre rural Norfolk site. On site, we also have a large Forest School, an Animal Care Farm, play facilities, a sports hall, and sensory rooms.
For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide 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 Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils 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 safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. 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:
12. Life Assurance
13. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
14. “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:
15. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
16. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
17. Cycle to Work Schemes
18. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
19. Critical illness cover
20. 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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