Teaching Assistant

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

Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm
Salary: £22,160.62 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

Abbey Gardens School is seeking a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs in a nurturing, inclusive and forward-thinking school environment.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with class teachers and the wider school team to support pupils' learning, wellbeing and development - both in and out of the classroom. You will play a key role in helping pupils access the curriculum, develop essential life skills, and feel safe, supported and valued every day.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups with learning, behaviour and social development
• Assist teachers in the delivery of engaging, accessible and well-structured lessons
• Help create a positive, inclusive and calm learning environment
• Support pupils during transitions, breaktimes and lunchtimes
• Prepare learning resources and maintain well-organised, welcoming classroom spaces
• Promote positive behaviour and act as a consistent, positive role model
• Record and report progress, incidents and achievements as required
• Uphold safeguarding, child protection and confidentiality at all times

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

• Holds GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
• Has a calm, patient and caring approach, particularly during challenging moments
• Is passionate about supporting young people and making learning accessible to all
• Can build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues
• Has experience working with secondary-aged pupils (desirable but not essential)
• Works well as part of a team while also showing confidence and initiative
• Believes in the potential of every student and demonstrates resilience and commitment
• Holds a full UK Driving Licence

About Us

Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, opening in April 2026. The school will provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for pupils with SEMH needs.

Designed for young people aged 11-18, Abbey Gardens will offer personalised support to help every learner thrive. This exciting new provision is committed to building confidence, resilience, and positive futures.

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.

• 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.