Teaching Assistant SEN

Maiden Erlegh Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Scheme

Job summary

Maiden Erlegh Trust in Reading is seeking a caring Teaching Assistant to support learning, development and wellbeing. You will work with teachers to support pupils one-to-one and in small groups, helping create an inclusive, engaging classroom where every learner feels valued.

The ideal candidate will have Level 2 English and Maths, experience with primary pupils and complex needs, and strong observation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Maths qualifications are required.
• Experience of working with primary-age pupils.
• Experience supporting pupils with complex needs.
• Good observation and assessment skills, with clear written notes.
• Understanding of language and core vocabulary to support pupils.
• Calm, caring and positive approach.
• Strong teamwork and communication abilities.
• Organisational and planning skills, with workload prioritisation.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils to engage with learning activities and make progress.
• Assist the class teacher with planned programmes of work.
• Observe pupils and provide feedback to teachers.
• Prepare and maintain learning resources and materials.
• Implement strategies from SALT, OT, clinical and behaviour support.
• Promote inclusion and respond to individual pupil needs.
• Support positive behaviour and wellbeing, including recording incidents.
• Provide welfare, safety and personal care as required.
• Support pupils during breaks and lunchtimes with activities.
• Work with parents to support home-school relationships.
• Contribute to pupil profiles, risk assessments and behaviour plans.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection.

Skills

Level 2 English

Level 2 Maths

Experience with primary-age pupils

Experience with pupils with complex_ne

Observation skills

Communication skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Organisational skills

Education

Level 2 English & Maths

Job description

We're looking for a caring and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our team, supporting students in their learning, development, and wellbeing. In this role, you will work closely with teachers, supporting students both one to one and in small groups to help create an inclusive, engaging classroom where every student feels valued and supported. You'll play a key role in promoting positive behaviour, building strong relationships, and supporting those with additional needs to deliver tailored support. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and proactive, confident in supporting a range of learning needs, and committed to promoting inclusion and positive behaviour. As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils to engage with teacher-led learning activities and make progress with their learning.
• Work with the class teacher to support planned programmes of work and learning activities.
• Observe pupils' learning and progress and provide relevant feedback to teachers.
• Prepare and maintain learning resources, classroom materials and visual supports appropriate to pupils' needs.
• Implement strategies arising from SALT, occupational therapy, clinical and behaviour support.
• Promote inclusion and respond appropriately to individual pupil needs.
• Support positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing, including recording and reporting behavioural incidents where required.
• Provide for pupils' welfare, safety and personal care, which may include intimate care, first aid and the administration of medicines in accordance with training and procedures.
• Support pupils during break and lunchtimes and use activities and play to encourage learning and positive interaction.
• Work positively with parents and carers to support effective home-school relationships.
• Contribute to pupil profiles, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
• Follow safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection requirements, reporting concerns appropriately.

The Ideal Candidate You will have:

• Level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
• Experience of working with primary-age pupils or young people.
• Experience of working with pupils with complex needs.
• Good observation and assessment skills, including the ability to produce clear written observations.
• An understanding of how appropriate language and core vocabulary can support pupils.
• A calm, caring and positive approach.
• Effective positive behaviour management skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise your workload.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team while also using initiative when required.
• A flexible and adaptable approach and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• A strong commitment to the wellbeing, safety and safeguarding of children and young people.

About Horizons Alternative Provision Academy

Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is an Alternative Education provision for young people ranging from 5-16 years old. We support learners who have been permanently excluded from mainstream settings and provide preventative support to those who are at risk of permanent exclusion. Additionally, we support those that unintentionally exclude themselves from education and children who cannot access school for medical reasons. We are a multi-site organisation which includes our Primary provisions, based at Great Hollands Primary School in Bracknell and College Road in Reading, and Secondary provision, based at Cranbury Road in Reading. We have Outreach teams that provide specialist support within schools, a tutoring service, offer vocational courses in Hair & Beauty and Multi-skills and run a Hospital Teaching Service based at Royal Berkshire Hospital who provide education to children on short and long term stays. Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is a fast paced, energetic setting where we pride ourselves on a strong team ethic, always working together to create a nurturing and supportive setting for our student's alternative pathway to success.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise. We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement. Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high‑quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Pension Scheme

• Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme