Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description 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

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available About the Role 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.You'll support learning both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging independence, promoting positive behaviour and adapting your approach to meet the diverse needs of our pupils.At the heart of this role is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and help children realise their potential—academically, socially and emotionally.What You'll Be Doing

• 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.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• 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

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• 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 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.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. 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. #1

• 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