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: Wetheringsett Manor, Suffolk, IP14 5QX Salary:     £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata) Hours:     37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.15am to 3.45pm Contract: Permanent, Term Time only UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. If you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of pupils and young people, we have the role for you! We’re looking for Teaching Assistants to join our team at Wetheringsett Manor School. Someone who is motivated by helping others, patient and resilient would be perfect for this role. Wetheringsett Manor also incorporates the 4-day working week for all staff after successfully passing probation. This means that staff work 80% of their time but get 100% of their salary, this is not a contractual change, but something designed to promote staff wellbeing. About the Role As a Teaching Assistant at Wetheringsett Manor School, you’ll play a key role in creating a safe, supportive environment where pupils with complex needs can thrive. You’ll offer practical help, emotional support, and encouragement throughout the school day. Responsibilities include: Safeguarding pupils and promoting their health and wellbeing Supporting learning activities, including 1:1 and small group work Preparing resources under teacher guidance Aiding emotional, physical and social development Liaising with staff, therapists and families on student progress This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Who We’re Looking For We’re seeking someone who is passionate about helping young people with additional needs. Experience isn’t essential—full training is provided—but you must be: Compassionate, patient and enthusiastic Reliable, resilient and a team player Able to follow plans and routines Confident supporting a range of learning and behavioural needs Key Responsibilities Foster a nurturing, inclusive environment Promote pupil independence and achievement Support diversity and wellbeing Assist with personal care where needed Encourage participation and learning Follow reporting procedures accurately About the School Wetheringsett Manor School is a new independent day SEMH School for up to 100 pupils aged 7-18. 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. Wetheringsett Manor School has gone through significant refurbishment and is based in Suffolk, East Anglia and opened to pupils in November 2020. The Manor House is located in 17 acres of parkland with wooded boundaries and sits on the edge of the village of Wetheringsett. The accommodation also provides several other buildings including a converted stable block, a cottage and two industrial units. We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them both 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 for vulnerable pupils and young people. 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 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. #1