Teaching Assistant

Amegreen Children's Services; Englefield; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance 4x salary

Health cash plan

Training and development

Free holiday accommodation

Blue Light Card discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Company pension

Sick pay scheme

Electric car scheme + Cycle to Work

Referral bonus scheme

Job summary

Juniper House School in West Berkshire is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support pupils with special educational needs in small groups and 1:1 sessions. The role focuses on consistent, calm support to help students engage with learning, build confidence, and progress across core subjects and vocational interests.

You will work with teachers and therapists to implement EHCP outcomes, maintain safeguarding standards, and contribute to a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in SEN, SEMH, behavioural support or residential childcare.
• Energy, enthusiasm, and proactive engagement with young people.
• Clear boundaries, encouragement and active listening in interactions.
• Ability to meet health, safety and safeguarding expectations.
• 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 participate in learning activities.
• Build positive relationships through clear boundaries and listening.
• Share observations and provide feedback to parents and staff.
• Work with therapists to apply EHCP strategies and outcomes.
• Plan and prepare project work using community resources.
• Follow safeguarding and health and safety procedures.

Skills

Rapport-building

Active listening

Emotional resilience

Strong communication

Physical intervention readiness

Education

Experience in SEN/SEMH

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.