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

Job Title:  Teaching Assistant
Location:  Meadowcroft School, Wakefield, WF1 4AD
Salary:      £25,115.37 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:      42.5 hours per week | Mon–Wed 8:00am–4:30pm | Thu 8:00am–5:30pm | Fri 8:00am–3:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        March 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

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 #teamOFG!

About the Role

Due to continued growth, we’re looking for a passionate and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join our welcoming team at Meadowcroft School.

This is more than a support role — it’s an opportunity to make a genuine impact every single day. You’ll provide tailored, hands-on support to pupils with complex learning needs, helping them engage with learning, build confidence, and develop independence.

Working closely with teachers and our multi-disciplinary team, you’ll help create a safe, inclusive and inspiring learning environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the class teacher/tutor in delivering high-quality, engaging education
• Provide personalised 1:1 and small group support to help pupils access the curriculum
• Promote pupils’ physical, educational, and personal development
• Assist in implementing policies, procedures, and individual learning plans
• Help organise learning environments suited to students with autism
• Contribute to writing and reviewing BSPs, Risk Assessments, IEPs, Communication Profiles and Pastoral Support Plans
• Support safe learning both on-site and during off-site activities
• Prepare resources and teaching aids as required
• Play an active role within our supportive multi-professional team

About You

• Experience supporting pupils with special educational needs, particularly autism
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills
• Patient, adaptable, and proactive with a positive mindset
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

If you’re ready to be part of a school where your contribution truly matters — and where your wellbeing is valued just as much as your work — we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Meadowcroft School is an independent specialist day school across four sites in Wakefield, supporting pupils with complex SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties. We provide a safe, nurturing environment with personalised support, small classes, and a broad, balanced curriculum. Our dedicated team works with families, therapists, and external professionals to remove barriers and celebrate progress. We prepare every pupil to build confidence, essential life skills, and a pathway to future success.

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.

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