Teaching Assistant

Role Overview

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in shaping the everyday experiences of our pupils. This isn't just classroom support — it's about sparking curiosity, building trust, and helping every child find their own way to shine. Every day brings the opportunity to make a real difference, whether that's helping a pupil find their voice, master a new skill, or simply feel safe and understood.

You'll be part of a compassionate, collaborative team that celebrates every small success and believes in the power of patience, positivity, and connection. Working closely with teachers and therapists, you'll support pupils' learning, wellbeing, and personal development — adapting to their individual needs and helping them engage with the world around them. No two days will be the same. You'll find joy in the small moments, pride in each milestone, and ongoing support from experienced colleagues who share your passion for helping children thrive.

With access to high-quality training and a nurturing school community built on kindness and teamwork, you'll have every opportunity to grow alongside our pupils.

• Confidently support children and young people with Autism and/or complex needs
• Adapt your approach across classroom, sensory, and outdoor learning environments
• Work as a strong team player, communicating effectively with colleagues and families
• Show eagerness to learn and develop within a supportive, values‑driven school

• GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Experience working with children with additional needs is beneficial
• Above all, you share our belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we're putting wellbeing first. We are proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week (4

DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay.

• 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
• Subject to successful probation – not a contractual benefit

Bower Lodge School is a brand‑new specialist day school in Dibden, Southampton, for boys and girls aged 4‑11 with a diagnosis of autism and complex learning, communication, and sensory needs. With capacity for 40 pupils, we provide a small, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Our approach is tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs. Through personalised learning and high levels of support, we help pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

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 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 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.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.