SEN Teaching Assistant

Hawthorn Academy; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational institution in Wokingham is seeking a caring and motivated Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. The ideal candidate will help foster positive relationships, enhance learning experiences, and promote emotional well-being among students. The role offers a competitive salary with additional benefits, flexible working arrangements, and ongoing professional development opportunities. This position is vital for nurturing young people's academic and emotional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Fringe Allowance

Full induction programme

Ongoing SEMH training

Paid wellbeing days

Free flu vaccinations

On-site parking

Flexible working options

Local Government Pension

Employee assistance programme

Refer-a-friend scheme

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people in a school, care, or youth work setting.
• Experience with SEMH or secondary-aged pupils is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in lessons, small groups, and 1:1 settings.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Promote positive behaviour using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
• Support learning in subjects including English, maths, PE, and life skills.
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation, independence, and confidence.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and families.

Skills

Communication Skills

Patience

Team Player

Emotional Resilience

Education

GCSE English and maths (Grade 4 / C or equivalent)

Job description

Hawthorn Academy is looking for a caring, resilient and motivated Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils (11–16) with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. This is a fantastic opportunity if you’re passionate about helping young people overcome challenges, re‑engage with learning and build confidence.

Hawthorn Academy is part of The Propeller Academy Trust and provides a nurturing, trauma‑informed environment for pupils with SEMH needs. Our staff are dedicated, compassionate and committed to helping every young person grow emotionally, socially and academically. We offer a supportive, highly resourced setting where you can develop professionally and make a real impact.

What we Offer

• Competitive salary + £729 Fringe Allowance
• Full induction programme and ongoing SEMH and trauma informed training
• Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on‑site parking
• Flexible working options (part‑time or job share considered)
• Local Government Pension (LGPS)
• Employee assistance programme
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme (earn up to £500)
• Supportive, highly skilled staff team and therapeutic school culture

About the Role

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in lessons, small groups and 1 : 1
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people
• Use trauma‑informed and restorative approaches to promote positive behaviour
• Support learning in subjects such as English, maths, PE, life skills and vocational areas
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation, independence and confidence
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and families

About you

GCSE English and maths (Grade 4 / C or equivalent)

Experience supporting children or young people (school, care, youth work etc.)

Calm, patient, emotionally resilient and able to be a consistent, positive role model.

A strong team player with excellent communication skills

• Experience with SEMH or secondary‑aged pupils (desirable but not essential)

About The Propeller Academy Trust

At The Propeller Academy Trust, we are dedicated to supporting young people with special educational needs, fostering an environment where every student progresses along their own unique path. Our passion for inclusion and innovation drives us to create exceptional opportunities for students to thrive, achieve their full potential, and embrace their individuality.

When you join our team, you’ll become part of a supportive and collaborative community, united by a shared mission to make a real difference every day. Whether you're an experienced professional or starting your journey in education, we offer a nurturing workplace where your talents, skills, and ambitions can flourish.

Our staff benefit from extensive Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes, secondment opportunities across our Trust sites, and a vast range of discounts available to those working in education. We also prioritise staff wellbeing, offering initiatives such as wellbeing days, because we believe that supporting our staff is as important as supporting our students.

Discover how you can contribute to our mission of excellence and inclusion. Explore our current vacancies and take the first step toward a fulfilling and impactful career with Propeller Academy Trust.

Safeguarding Statement

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy / maternity.

Apply by: 5th December 2025

Pay Scale: NJC | SCP8 - SCP13

Salary: £18,539.79 - £20,088.00 + Fringe Allowance £729

Hours per week: 30.50, 43.60 weeks per year