Teaching Assistant

Job Description

Teaching Assistant

Location: Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time

Start: August 2026

UK applicants only. No sponsorship available.

About the Role

Are you ready to inspire, support, and empower young people to achieve their very best? As part of our continued growth, Oakham Shires School is seeking passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our warm and welcoming team.

Whether you already have experience in education or you’re looking for a new, meaningful career path, this is an opportunity to make a genuine difference while developing your skills in a supportive environment.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be at the heart of each pupil’s learning journey. Working closely with teachers and our wider support team, you’ll help pupils with autism and complex needs to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. No two days are the same – from classroom learning to community-based activities and creative projects, your role will be varied, rewarding, and impactful.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching staff in preparing lessons and delivering engaging, hands on learning experiences
• Work 1:1 and in small groups, supporting personalised learning plans
• Encourage emotional regulation and positive behaviour through patience, understanding, and consistency
• Supervise and support pupils during classroom, outdoor, and community-based activities
• Build strong, trusting relationships so pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated
• Help create a calm, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for caring, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping children with autism and complex needs succeed. You’ll be supportive, compassionate, and proactive, with a flexible approach and a genuine commitment to inclusive education.

You’ll be confident working as part of a team, able to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, and comfortable supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour. Strong communication skills and a calm, patient manner are essential.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• Experience working with autistic pupils and/or those with challenging behaviour
• Experience in a school or educational setting

Benefits

• 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

About Us

Oakham Shires School is an independent SEN school, part of Options Autism, providing a nurturing environment for autistic children and young people with associated needs. We support pupils to achieve outcomes within their EHCPs while developing communication, life skills, and accredited learning in English, Maths, and Science.

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 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.