Teaching Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance - 4x basic salary

Health cash plan

Training and development

Free holiday accommodation

Cycle to Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Haywards Farm School, part of Amegreen Education, is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to provide consistent 1:1 support for a pupil with SEN. You will help the student feel safe and settled, build trust and support engagement in core subjects and vocational interests.

This practical, relationship-based role requires active listening, clear boundaries and a calm, therapeutic approach, with safeguarding and pupil wellbeing central to daily practice.

Qualifications

• At least two years' experience in a similar role or setting (SEN support, behaviour support, alternative provision, or residential childcare).
• Strong communication skills and emotional resilience.
• Flexibility to adapt support to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support, helping the student focus and complete tasks.
• Support engagement with assessment tools and programmes as part of the school cycle.
• Build rapport with the student and offer structured support and appropriate challenge.
• Share observations and progress with staff and parents where appropriate.
• Work with school therapists to implement strategies linked to EHCP objectives.
• Support learning beyond the classroom and supervised community activities.

Job description

Haywards Farm School

Permanent - Full-time -Term time plus 10 inset days

About Haywards Farm School

Haywards Farm School is a small, outstanding independent school in West Berkshire, supporting up to 34 students with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. Our pupils may have learning difficulties, social and emotional needs and autism (ASD). Many have a history of non-attendance and need a consistent, relational approach to help them re-engage with education.

As part of Amegreen Education, we focus on personalised education pathways that support both academic progress and emotional development, helping pupils build confidence, routines and readiness to learn.

The role

We are looking for an energetic, dedicated Teaching Assistant to provide consistent 1:1 support for a vulnerable student. You will help the student feel safe and settled in school, build trust, improve attendance and develop confidence in core subjects and vocational interests.

This is a practical, relationship-based role. You will use active listening, clear boundaries and a calm, therapeutic approach, adapting your support in line with the student's EHCP outcomes and behaviour support plans. Safeguarding and pupil wellbeing are always central to this role.

Key responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support, helping the student focus, regulate and complete learning tasks
• Support engagement with assessment tools and programmes, including GL Assessment and Accelerated Reader, as part of the school assessment cycle
• Build a strong rapport with the student, offering structured support and appropriate challenge
• Share relevant observations and progress updates with staff and, where appropriate, parents
• Work alongside school therapists to implement recommended strategies linked to EHCP objectives
• Support learning beyond the classroom where appropriate, including supervised use of community resources such as libraries, museums and other curriculum-relevant venues

You will ideally have:

• At least two years' experience in a similar role or setting (for example SEN support, behaviour support, alternative provision or residential childcare)
• Strong communication skills, emotional resilience and a consistent, professional approach
• The flexibility and creativity to adapt support to changing needs
• Physical capability for the demands of the role, including the potential need for physical interventions in line with behaviour support plans
• Willingness to complete training in safe physical intervention techniques (essential)

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 where people can be their authentic selves in a safe, inclusive environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are actively building diverse teams. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Safeguarding and GDPR

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.