Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Job Title:

Teaching Assistant

Location:

Higford School, Near Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 9ET

Hours:

40 hours per week (Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pm)

Salary: £23,638 per annum (not pro rata)

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time plus 2 Weeks

Start:
June 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in supporting pupils to succeed. This is more than a support role—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference. You’ll work closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff to provide tailored assistance, help manage behaviour, and promote independence, confidence, and self‑belief in every pupil.

• Support pupils individually and in small groups with learning, communication, and social skills
• Assist teachers with planning and delivering engaging lessons and activities
• Implement positive behaviour strategies and maintain a calm, inclusive classroom environment
• Prepare resources, support school trips, and contribute to enrichment activities
• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and behaviour
• Supervise pupils during breaks, lunches, and activities

• Have experience in educational, childcare, or SEN settings
• Can remain calm and positive when supporting pupils with complex needs
• Work effectively as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Hold a full UK driving licence

Options Higford is a specialist school set in 28 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside. We provide a high‑quality, holistic education for up to 60 autistic students who also have associated behavioural needs. Class groups have five students in with at least 1:1 staffing. We provide personalised curriculums for each student based on their individual needs and aim to support them to make progress academically, socially, with skills for life, regulating their emotions and accessing the community.

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 proud that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

• 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.

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.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants will have a fully enhanced DBS.