Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

At OFG we believe in creating a better work life balance

Job Title:  Teaching Assistant
Location:  Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QF
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:  October 2026      

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

Help a Young Person Build Confidence, Discover Their Strengths and Enjoy Learning

You don’t need years of specialist school experience to make a difference to a young person. Patience, encouragement, consistency and the ability to build trust can be just as important.

At Riseley Green School, we’re looking for enthusiastic and compassionate Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Autism and complex needs.

You’ll work closely with pupils throughout their school day, helping them engage with learning, develop greater independence and build the confidence to try new things. From individual support and classroom activities to outdoor learning and experiences beyond school, you’ll help make education accessible, engaging and meaningful.

Working alongside teachers and other professionals, you’ll become part of a supportive team focused on understanding each pupil as an individual and helping them achieve meaningful progress.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support pupils with Autism and complex needs, adapting your approach around individual strengths and needs
• Provide individual and classroom support, helping pupils engage with learning and participate successfully in activities
• Assist teachers with the preparation and delivery of engaging and personalised learning experiences
• Help pupils develop confidence, independence, communication and important life skills
• Provide calm and consistent support, helping pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn
• Support outdoor learning, educational visits and activities beyond the classroom
• Build positive and trusting relationships while encouraging curiosity, participation and achievement
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to provide consistent support and achieve positive outcomes

About You

We’re interested in the person you can be for our pupils, not simply what is already on your CV.

You’ll be someone who:

• Is patient, caring and empathetic
• Can build positive relationships with children and young people
• Is adaptable and comfortable supporting learning in different environments
• Can remain calm and encouraging when a pupil finds something difficult
• Enjoys working collaboratively and being part of a supportive team
• Is proactive and willing to learn new approaches
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of every pupil

Experience supporting children or young people with Autism or complex needs would be beneficial, but it is not essential.

About Us

Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school near Reading, Berkshire, for autistic young people aged 4–16, with a capacity of 60 pupils.

We provide a nurturing, structured environment tailored to each child’s needs, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth. Small classes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and personalised programmes ensure every pupil can thrive and reach their full potential. Our dedicated team works closely with families to support wellbeing, independence, and the development of essential life skills.

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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