Job Description

The Shires

Rutland

Salary:

20,906.20 per annum

Job type:

Full Time, Permanent

Apply by:

14 July 2025

Job overview

----------------

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

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).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year - so there's never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Job Title: Teaching Assistant

Location: Stretton Shires School, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7GT

Salary: 20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time only

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team at Stretton Shires School.

About the role

We are seeking people who thrive on working in a challenging, but immensely rewarding and fulfilling environment, who are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and who truly want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Our ideal candidates will be people who want to support the health and development of students both in school, and in community settings, with the core aim of preparation for adulthood.


You will ideally have some knowledge and understanding or an interest in autism and a desire to develop your skills and knowledge in this field.


Previous experience in education or caring for and supporting autistic young people or young people who have learning disabilities is desirable but not essential. You will play a pivotal role in working with our pupils to meet their Education Health Care Plan outcomes, empowering and equipping them with the tools and skills they need to be happy, healthy and make their way in the world.

We have a strong safeguarding culture, where pupils are listened to, respected and involved in as many decisions as possible.

About us

Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 - 18.


Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations.


Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.


For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. 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 Options Autism?

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.


And that's not all, 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 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.

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*

#1

About

The Shires

------------------------

The Shires

Shires Lane, Stretton, Rutland
Leicestershire
LE15 7GT
United Kingdom

+44 1780 411944

The Shires provide exceptional education, care and support for young people aged 11-19 years old with autism, associated learning disabilities and complex needs. We are passionate about providing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, enabling each young person to realise their full academic potential and develop essential social, emotional and life skills.



We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum linked to the developmental stage of each pupil in a supportive communication rich environment. Their education is further supported through the delivery of life skills, vocational opportunities, and any additional support they need to succeed.



The Shires' highly skilled team tailor our curriculum and learning to each young person's needs and talents, ensuring they leave with the resources and skills they need to support them on to their next steps and future lives.

Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow

Tes' Fair Recruitment Policy

.