Teaching Assistant

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four ?

Our colleagues' wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we're always looking for new ways to improve everyone's work/life balance. We're taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year - so there's never been a more exciting time to join us !

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at Oak Tree School, part of Acorn Education.

• £23,693.75 per annum (This salary is NOT subject to pro-rata and is the full amount before tax)
• 42.5 hours per week; Monday - Friday, 8.00am - 4.30pm
• Permanent; Term Time Only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Oak Tree School in Truro has recently expanded and developed two new buildings and undergone a successful inspection from Ofsted allowing us to offer a wider age range of pupils from 5 - 18 years the opportunity to have the best education possible. Oak Tree School is a specialist SEMH provision positioned near the city of Truro in Cornwall. The school provides full-time specialist co-education for up to 135 pupils and young people aged 5 to 18 who experience social, emotional, mental health, communication difficulties and associated challenging behaviours. These pupils and young people often cannot cope, function or achieve within a mainstream environment. The aim is to provide a structured, nurturing approach, with pupils accessing a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum to meet their significant needs.

This opportunity is in Truro which is within commutable distance of Redruth, St Austell and surrounding areas.

The opportunity

Enjoy a rewarding education career and have a real impact on pupil's lives. Join an amazing team making our schools and classrooms supportive, enriching places where vulnerable pupils and young people achieve far more than they ever expected.

All successful applicants will be expected to complete and competently use strategies taught within Crisis Prevention Intervention training which includes the use of physical restraint in order to keep pupils and adults safe.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will connect directly with the brilliant pupils and young people we care for, helping to make sure they get the very best from their education. Each individual has so much potential, and they will rely on you to guide their learning journeys. You will help prepare learning materials and run classroom activities, with plenty of hands-on experience and some supervision too. You will take responsibility for their emotional and physical needs, supporting them to develop as individuals and engage with the world.

Supporting pupils with complex Social Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs is important and rewarding work, and you will benefit from the tremendous support offered by our hugely experienced teams. As you help our pupils and young people achieve real and significant progress, you will enjoy having a direct, positive impact on their developing lives.

As part of your employment, you are requested to attend/carry out mandatory training days which will support your own growth and knowledge of working with the students at Oak Tree School.

Who we are looking for

We would love to hear from candidates who have their GCSE C or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths.

You will be adaptable and ready to work in a variety of classroom roles, both indoors and outside according to individual need. Taking a responsive and caring approach, you may be running classroom activities, leading outdoor experiences or supervising pupils as they explore further afield.

Our schools are built on great teamwork and mutual support. If you enjoy working as part of a dedicated team, sharing knowledge, experience and learning, simply fill in our safeguarding-compliant application form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Why join Acorn Education?

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.

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.

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 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.

Assistant

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.