Teaching Assistant

Amegreen Children’s Services; Englefield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance (death in service) – 4x

Health cash plan

Training and development

Free holiday accommodation

Discounts

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Company pension

Sick pay after 6 months

Electric car scheme

Referral bonus scheme

Job summary

Juniper House School in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils with special educational needs in small groups and 1:1 sessions. You will help learners engage with core subjects and vocational activities in a calm, therapeutic setting.

The role requires rapport-building, active listening, and flexible, creative approaches aligned with EHCP targets. Safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils are priorities throughout the day.

Qualifications

• 2 years’ experience in a similar SEN/SEMH setting or support role.
• High energy, enthusiasm and a proactive approach to engaging with young people.
• Strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and a professional approach.
• Willingness to complete training in safe physical intervention if required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver consistent support to help students focus, engage, and complete tasks.
• Support students to take part in learning.
• Build positive relationships through clear boundaries, encouragement and active listening.
• Share observations and provide feedback on progress to parents and school staff.
• Work alongside therapists to implement agreed strategies and link support to EHCP outcomes.
• Help plan and prepare project work using resources and community learning opportunities.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and health and safety expectations.

Skills

SEN experience

SEMH support

emotional resilience

active listening

Job description

Juniper House School
Permanent - Full-time -Term time plus 10 inset days

About Juniper House School

Juniper House is a specialist SEND school dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing and personal development of children with special educational needs. We believe that feeling safe, valued and understood is the foundation for all learning.

The role

Our Teaching Assistants support our students in small groups and 1:1 sessions throughout the school day, providing a calm, consistent support that helps our students engage with learning, build confidence, and make progress across core subjects and vocational interests.

The role requires rapport-building, active listening, and appropriate, assertive challenge. You will need flexibility, creativity, and therapeutic understanding to meet the student’s needs and the targets set out in their EHCP. You will always hold the health, safety, and welfare of pupils in the highest regard.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver consistent support to help our students focus, engage, and complete tasks

• Supporting our students to take part in their learning.

• Build positive relationships through clear boundaries, encouragement, and active listening

• Share observations and provide feedback on progress to parents and school staff

• Work alongside therapists to implement agreed strategies and link support to EHCP outcomes

• Help plan and prepare project work using a range of resources, including appropriate community learning opportunities such as libraries, museums, and other relevant venues

• Follow safeguarding procedures and health and safety expectations at all times

You will ideally have

• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar setting or support role, such as SEN, SEMH, behavioural support, or residential childcare

• High energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to engaging with young people

• Strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and a consistent, professional approach

• The physical ability to meet the demands of the role, including the potential need for physical interventions in line with behaviour support plans

• A willingness to complete training in safe physical intervention techniques, if required

Working pattern and benefits

• Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm, with minimal after-hours commitments

• Friday afternoons are CPD time with no students on site, plus 10 INSET days across the year

• Therapeutic reflection and twice-daily briefings to support strong practice and consistency

• Regular offsite outdoor learning and enrichment sessions

• Hot lunch cooked on site every day

• Opportunities to collaborate across West Berkshire and with our partnership school, sharing expertise and best practice

• Life insurance (death in service) – 4x basic annual salary

• Health cash plan (Health Shield) (after probation/eligibility applies)

• Training and development – induction and mandatory training, plus CPD, therapeutic support and further qualifications

• Free holiday accommodation – company holiday home on south coast

• Discounts – Blue Light Card + local partner discounts

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free, confidential 24/7 support helpline

• Company pension with award winning provider and enhanced employer contributions

• Company sick pay scheme available after 6 months’ service

• Electric car scheme + Cycle to Work – salary sacrifice options

• Recognition – Employee of the Month + long service awards

• Discounted driving lessons with local instructor

• Referral bonus scheme – financial incentives for successful referrals (criteria apply)

Equality and Diversity

Amegreen is committed to being an organisation that allows people to be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive environment. We are actively building diverse teams and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Safeguarding

Amegreen Children’s Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

All employees must complete mandatory safeguarding and GDPR training. Successful candidates will complete a thorough safeguarding onboarding process, including a full employment history review and an enhanced DBS check.