Teaching Assistant

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 .

Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Claystone School, Luton, LU1 4LL
Salary: £21,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 8:15am - 4:15pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start Date: January 2026

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

We are excited to be recruiting Teaching Assistants for Claystone School, a brand-new Options Autism school in Luton. Opened in January 2025, Claystone caters for up to 48 pupils aged 4-11 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex needs.

About the Role

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone passionate about supporting children with additional needs. Our pupils have autism alongside communication, sensory, and complex challenges. We are looking for caring, patient, and resilient individuals to help them flourish.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Work closely with pupils to support their learning, social, and emotional development.
• Prepare learning materials and assist with engaging classroom activities.
• Provide individualised support to help pupils reach their personal goals.
• Support pupils' physical and emotional wellbeing in a nurturing, safe environment.
• Collaborate with teachers and colleagues to deliver creative, tailored learning experiences.

What We're Looking For

We want individuals who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with autism and complex needs. You should bring a positive, resilient attitude and empathy, understanding the unique challenges our pupils face every day. Flexibility and a willingness to learn and adapt are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a supportive team environment.

• A strong passion for supporting children with autism and complex needs
• A positive, resilient, and empathetic approach to care and learning
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and actively contribute as part of a team
• Experience in education, care, or support roles is a plus but not required - we provide full training to help you succeed

Essential Requirements

• GCSE or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English

About the school

Claystone School is a small, independent school supporting children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), who may also have a range of additional needs. Located in Pepperstock, Luton, the school caters for up to 48 pupils aged 4-11, providing a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where children with ASC and complex needs can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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?

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 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.

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 safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.