| Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
About the Role
We’re looking for a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our growing team at our satellite site in St Helens — a rewarding opportunity to support pupils with additional needs in a nurturing, engaging and creative learning environment.
This is far more than a classroom support role. It’s your chance to help young people build confidence, overcome barriers and achieve things they never thought possible.
One moment you could be helping bring learning to life in the classroom, and the next you may be supporting pupils through outdoor activities, enrichment experiences or hands-on creative projects.
You’ll play a vital role in helping pupils grow academically, socially and emotionally while being part of a supportive and passionate team who genuinely care about making a difference.
In this role, you will:
1. Support pupils’ learning and personal development in creative, engaging ways
2. Prepare and help deliver lessons that spark curiosity and confidence
3. Provide emotional and practical support, helping pupils overcome barriers and achieve their goals
4. Encourage positive behaviour and social interaction through empathy and consistency
5. Get involved in outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and community experiences
6. Work closely with teachers and therapists to tailor support to individual needs
7. Be part of a passionate, supportive team that values every voice and every achievement
Who we’re looking for:
8. Someone with experience of working as a Teaching Assistant in an SEN environment
9. A caring, energetic person who loves helping others grow and succeed
10. Someone patient, adaptable, and ready to embrace every challenge with positivity
11. A great communicator who builds strong, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues
12. A true team player who wants to learn, share ideas, and make a lasting difference
About Us
Hazel Cottage is a new school meeting the needs of autistic pupils aged 4 – 11 years who may have additional needs.
We are situated in St Helens in the former St Patricks Church. At Hazel Cottage everything we do is centred around the individual needs of each pupil attending our school, with the aim that every learner is able to fulfil their individual potential and thrive. Alongside a broad, exciting and memorable curriculum, we focus on developing core life skills such as communication and social interaction, sensory processing and emotional regulation. We work towards every pupil being as independent as possible when they move on to the next stage of their education.
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.
13. Life Assurance
14. Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
15. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
16. Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits Hundreds of UK and international discounts Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family 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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