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: Bower Lodge School, Dibden, Southampton, SO45 5TD

Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:30 - 16:30

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

Start: November 2025

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

We’re excited to welcome enthusiastic and experienced Teaching Assistants to Bower Lodge School, our brand-new Options Autism Primary School in Dibden, Southampton.

Our school supports children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and a range of complex needs. We believe every pupil has extraordinary potential, and we’re looking for people who can help them thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the everyday experiences of our pupils.
This isn’t just classroom support — it’s about sparking curiosity, building trust, and helping every child find their own way to shine. Every day brings the opportunity to make a real difference, whether that’s helping a pupil find their voice, master a new skill, or simply feel safe and understood.

You’ll be part of a compassionate, collaborative team that celebrates every small success and believes in the power of patience, positivity, and connection. Working closely with teachers and therapists, you’ll support pupils’ learning, wellbeing, and personal development — adapting to their individual needs and helping them engage with the world around them.

No two days will be the same. You’ll find joy in the small moments, pride in each milestone, and ongoing support from experienced colleagues who share your passion for helping children thrive. With access to high-quality training and a nurturing school community built on kindness and teamwork, you’ll have every opportunity to grow alongside our pupils.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone caring, calm, and resilient — someone who brings warmth, patience, and creativity to every interaction. You’ll be confident supporting children and young people with autism and complex needs, adaptable in both classroom and outdoor settings, and eager to learn as part of a values-driven team.

Above all, you’ll share our belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Educated to GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science
Experienced in supporting children or young people with Autism and/or complex needs

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.

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