Life Skills Instructor

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job Title: Life Skills Instructor
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7BH
Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Salary: £27,693.75 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

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

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join !

About the Role

At Ryecroft School, we place significant value on personal development and equipping pupils with the life skills needed to thrive in the modern world. We are seeking a passionate and creative Life Skills Instructor to deliver high quality education for pupils diagnosed with Autism (ASC). This role focuses on developing pupils' practical skills, independence and confidence within a supportive, structured environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver a tailored Life Skills curriculum integrating functional academics, vocational learning and personal development.
• Teach a range of practical life skills such as independent living, road safety, cooking, money management, communication, health and wellbeing, community engagement and career preparation.
• Create and maintain a holistic, supportive and autism friendly learning environment.
• Use strategies aligned with pupils' EHCPs to support individual learning needs and goals.
• Monitor pupil engagement and progress, recording achievements accurately and consistently.
• Provide regular, detailed feedback to the Senior Leadership Team regarding progress, barriers to learning and next steps.
• Promote positive behaviour, encouraging pupils to build independence and take responsibility for their actions.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Has experience of, or a strong interest in, working with pupils diagnosed with Autism (ASC).
• Can design and deliver structured, engaging lessons tailored to the communication, sensory and social needs of autistic learners.
• Is passionate about developing functional life skills and supporting pupils towards independence and future success.
• Can effectively differentiate the curriculum to ensure meaningful access and engagement for pupils with a wide range of abilities.

About Us

Ryecroft School, opened in September 2024 in Walsall, provides specialist education for autistic pupils with complex needs.

We offer a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where every child is supported to thrive.

Our personalised curriculum and small classes develop independence, life skills, and academic progress. Built on strong relationships with families and professionals, we empower young people to reach their full potential

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 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.

• 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.

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.