Teaching Assistant

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4

DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4

DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #team

OFG.

Location:

Acorn Park School, Norwich, NR16 2HU

Hours:

37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday |8.30am - 4.30pm

Contract:

Permanent, Term Time Only plus 10 inset days

Start:
November 2025

UK Applicants only. 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.

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:

• Support engaging, inclusive lessons tailored to individual needs
• Work 1:1 and with small groups to build confidence and independence
• Help create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
• Support emotional regulation, behaviour plans, and well-being
• Be hands‑on in lessons, activities, and off‑site educational visits
• 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.

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:

• GCSEs in English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent)
• A positive, proactive attitude
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• The resilience to stay calm, compassionate, and consistent
• 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.

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.

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…