Autism Practitioner

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four ?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.

We're proud to be taking part in a 4-Day Working Week Trial, meaning you could work one day less a week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

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

Job title: Teaching Assistant/Autism Practitioner

Location: The Tower School, Epping, CM16 4BA
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum / £13.25 p/h (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: December 2025
UK applicants only - this role does not offer sponsorship

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with Autism? Do you thrive in a role where every day brings new challenges, fresh opportunities, and the chance to see real progress?
If that sounds like you, The Tower School - part of Options Autism - can't wait to meet you.

We're on the lookout for a dedicated, creative, and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team and help our pupils achieve their full potential. You'll be joining a school where every small step forward is a huge victory, and where your work truly matters.

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the learning journey for our pupils-each with a diagnosis of Autism and their own unique talents and needs.

• Support classroom learning through hands-on activities and tailored lessons
• Help design engaging materials that spark curiosity and confidence
• Provide emotional and practical support to build independence and self-belief
• Be a role model, a guide, and a trusted adult who makes a lasting difference

Every day is different - and that's what makes it exciting! You'll have the full backing of a supportive, experienced team, ongoing training, and the chance to grow your own skills as you help others grow theirs.

Who we are looking for

We're searching for someone who is:

• Support classroom learning through hands-on activities and tailored lessons
• Help design engaging materials that spark curiosity and confidence
• Provide emotional and practical support to build independence and self-belief
• Be a role model, a guide, and a trusted adult who makes a lasting difference

Essential:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English & Maths
• Experience in a SEND setting - highly desirable
• Experience supporting Autistic young people - highly desirable

At The Tower School, every day is an opportunity to make a difference. You'll join a supportive, forward-thinking team that celebrates individuality, creativity, and growth - both for our pupils and for you.

If you're ready to help shape brighter futures, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join The Tower School - where every day inspires progress, pride, and purpose.

About the school

The Tower School is an independent special day school for pupils ages 11 - 18 years who have a primary diagnosis of Autism. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who will often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

This opportunity is based in Epping, Essex, CM16 4BA and is located on Epping High Road within easy access of J26 of the M25 and Junction 5 of the M11. Epping is a lovely market town in Essex and just 17 miles (30km) from the centre of London. It is surrounded by Epping Forest and the River Roding and River Lea valleys. The school is just a 10-minute walk from Epping station on the London Undergrounds central line which will have you in London's West End in under 50 minutes.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. 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?

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.

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.