Higher Level Teaching Assistant

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Location: Claystone School, Luton, LU1 4LL
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8:15am - 4:15pm
Salary: £25,316 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Claystone School, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, feel valued and discover what they are capable of achieving. As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils’ learning, wellbeing and personal development, helping them build confidence, independence and a strong sense of their future potential.

This role goes beyond classroom support. You will lead learning activities, contribute to planning and assessment, and support pupils with a range of needs across academic, social and emotional development. You will also take a lead role in Personal Development and Future Pathways, helping pupils prepare for adulthood through careers education, enterprise projects and independent living skills.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver high‑quality learning activities to individuals, small groups and whole classes, including providing cover in the teacher’s absence
• Prepare lessons, create resources and contribute to assessing, monitoring and reporting on pupil progress
• Lead 1:1 and small‑group interventions that support academic, social, emotional and behavioural development
• Work collaboratively with teachers, leaders and the clinical team to implement strategies, interventions and EHCP recommendations
• Support behaviour, wellbeing and inclusion, helping create a positive, safe and engaging learning environment indoors and outdoors
• Lead Personal Development and Future Pathways initiatives, including Careers, Enterprise and Independent Living lessons
• Build links with local employers and community partners, and plan and support Enterprise Fairs and wider school events
• Oversee the Independent Living Room and contribute to whole‑school projects that promote independence, employability and preparation for adulthood

What you will bring

We are looking for someone caring, flexible and enthusiastic — someone who can inspire pupils, work collaboratively with colleagues and model the school’s values of patience, kindness and teamwork.

• Confidence in leading learning and managing classes when required
• Experience supporting learning, behaviour and social development
• Flexibility to work across classrooms, outdoor learning and wider school activities
• A commitment to inclusion and to achieving the best outcomes for pupils
• A passion for helping young people develop independence, confidence and future aspirations

About Us

Claystone School – a brand-new specialist school in Luton for autistic children aged 4–11, recently opened in January 2025.

Situated in Pepperstock, Luton, Claystone School is a small, independent setting supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and a range of additional learning difficulties. We provide a nurturing environment where each child’s unique strengths and contributions are recognised and celebrated, helping them 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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