Teaching Assistant

We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work

Job title:  Teacher Assistant 
Location: Bower Lodge School, Dibden, Southampton, SO45 5TD
Salary:     £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:     37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time only
Start:        September 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

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 seeking someone who is caring, calm, and resilient — someone who brings warmth, patience, and creativity to every interaction.

You will be:

• Confident supporting children and young people with Autism and/or complex needs

• Adaptable across classroom, sensory, and outdoor learning environments

• A strong team player who communicates effectively with colleagues and families

• Eager to learn and develop within a supportive, values-driven school

Essential:

• GCSEs in English, Maths and Science (or equivalent)

• Experience working with children with additional needs would be beneficial

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

About us

Bower Lodge School is a brand-new specialist day school in Dibden, Southampton, for boys and girls aged 4–11 with a diagnosis of autism and complex learning, communication, and sensory needs.

With capacity for 40 pupils, we provide a small, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Our approach is tailored to each child’s individual strengths and needs. Through personalised learning and high levels of support, we help pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Bower Lodge School, every child is valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

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

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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