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). If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG! Job Title:  Teaching Assistant Location:  The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB Salary:      £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata) Hours:      37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday Contract:  Permanent, Term Time only Start:        September 2025 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. Join The Holden School, part of Acorn Education, and become part of a team that helps young people realise their full potential every single day. About the Role This is more than just a classroom job – it’s a chance to make a genuine impact on the lives of pupils with varied and complex needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll support pupils on their individual learning journeys, helping to unlock their potential through tailored support, engaging activities, and consistent care. You’ll be working in a nurturing, supportive school environment where no two days are the same. From preparing resources to leading small group sessions and offering emotional and physical support, you’ll be a key part of a close-knit and collaborative school community. Who We're Looking For We’re seeking someone who is: Adaptable and proactive, able to support pupils in a variety of settings Caring and patient, with a genuine interest in helping young people thrive Team-focused, working alongside skilled staff in a supportive environment Willing to learn, open to training and professional development Whether you’re supporting classroom activities, engaging in outdoor learning, or helping pupils gain independence and confidence, your input will shape lives. Join us at The Holden School – where every day is an opportunity to inspire, support, and grow. About Us The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists. We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. 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 Acorn Education? We place the outcomes of the pupils 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. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DB S. 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. #1