Teaching Assistant

About the Role

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work. Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday‑Friday)
Salary: From £22,160.63 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: July 2026
Applicants: UK only – no sponsorship available

Do you have the energy, compassion and creativity to help children and young people overcome barriers and achieve more than they ever thought possible? At Wessex Lodge School, we're looking for enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our specialist team and make a genuine difference to the lives of pupils with additional needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting pupils across the school, helping them to engage in learning, develop socially and emotionally, and achieve their individual goals.

Working closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team, you'll help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where pupils feel understood, valued and inspired to succeed.

• Support pupils aged 5‑18 to engage positively in learning and achieve their individual targets.
• Deliver tailored 1:1 and small‑group support to meet a range of SEND needs.
• Promote pupils' personal development, wellbeing, confidence and independence.
• Monitor progress, provide feedback and contribute to assessment and record‑keeping.
• Help create stimulating learning environments that encourage curiosity and participation.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Promote positive behaviour and uphold safeguarding procedures at all times.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, supporting enrichment activities, pastoral care and school events.

• Creative, enthusiastic and willing to think outside the box.
• Passionate about helping children and young people succeed.
• Experienced in supporting pupils with SEND, including Autism and SEMH needs, or eager to develop within specialist education.
• Calm, patient and able to respond sensitively to individual needs.
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Organised, reliable and confident maintaining accurate records.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Dedicated to continuous professional development and learning.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

• Experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Experience liaising with parents, carers and external agencies.
• Knowledge of SEND processes and interventions.
• Experience using assessment information to support planning.
• PE, Outdoor Education or Forest School qualifications.
• QTS or previous teaching experience.

Learning at Wessex Lodge goes far beyond the classroom. Our outdoor spaces across all three sites offer meaningful opportunities for pupils to regulate, connect and engage. These environments, whether it be out in the community or time with animals, are key to helping our children feel calm, confident and curious. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives.

As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – mental health support and physical health checks
• 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. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.