Teaching Assistant

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge!

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:  January 2027

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

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 students’ learning, wellbeing and development — both in and out of the classroom. You will play a key role in helping students access the curriculum, develop essential life skills, and feel safe, supported and valued every day.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

Support students 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 students 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 students and colleagues

Has experience working with secondary-aged students (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, supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive.

Our personalised curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being adapted to each student’s individual needs, strengths and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, independence and essential life skills.

As the school grows, our curriculum will remain relevant, engaging and purposeful, with Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways offering recognised accreditation wherever possible. Our aim is simple: to help every young person overcome barriers, experience success and build a positive future.

At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students 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 students 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

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education 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, OFG Education 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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