Teaching Assistant
The Shires
Rutland
- New
- Salary:
- £20,906.25 per annum
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 19 September 2025
Job overview
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.
That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Oakham Shires School, Rutland, LE15 6JB
Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time only
Interviews will be held on 23rd & 24th September.
Please note: UK applicants only. This role does not offer visa sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for Teaching Assistants to join our close-knit, supportive team at Oakham Shires School.
Whether you're experienced in education or looking for a rewarding new challenge, this is your chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with autism and complex needs.
About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll support our students in reaching their full academic and personal potential. Working closely with the class teacher and wider school team, you’ll help pupils understand tasks, stay engaged, and access the resources they need to thrive.
Every day is different — the needs of our students vary, and you’ll adapt your approach to suit each individual. You'll provide classroom-based support and, at times, accompany students on activities or community visits, making sure their learning extends beyond the classroom.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for caring, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about helping children with additional needs succeed.
You’ll be:
Supportive and compassionate, with a flexible and proactive mindset
Comfortable working with children with autism and/or complex behaviour
A strong communicator and team player
Essential:
Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above
UK Driving Licence (students often access community-based activities)
Desirable (but not essential):
Experience working with autistic pupils or those with challenging behaviours
Experience working in a school or educational setting
If you’re new to this kind of role but have the right values and a genuine desire to help others — we’d still love to hear from you.
About the school
Oakham Shires School is an Independent SEN School, part of the Options Autism group. Students are supported to achieve their Outcomes within their Education Health Care Plan, develop life skills, and achieve accreditations in Maths, English and Science.
Our team is close-knit, values-driven, and committed to creating a safe, nurturing learning environment.
For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to students, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to the 51 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.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
Cycle to Work Schemes
Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
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 51 checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales
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Attached documents
About The Shires
- The Shires
- Shires Lane, Stretton, Rutland
- Leicestershire
- LE15 7GT
- United Kingdom
The Shires provide exceptional education, care and support for young people aged 11-19 years old with autism, associated learning disabilities and complex needs. We are passionate about providing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, enabling each young person to realise their full academic potential and develop essential social, emotional and life skills.
We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum linked to the developmental stage of each pupil in a supportive communication rich environment. Their education is further supported through the delivery of life skills, vocational opportunities, and any additional support they need to succeed.
The Shires’ highly skilled team tailor our curriculum and learning to each young person’s needs and talents, ensuring they leave with the resources and skills they need to support them on to their next steps and future lives.
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