Teaching Assistant

The Teaching Assistant contributes to effective teaching and learning by supporting students to access the curriculum, engage in lessons and develop independence. Working closely with teachers and SEND colleagues, the role supports individual students and small groups to participate fully in learning activities and make progress in line with their needs and targets. The postholder contributes to a positive, inclusive learning environment by reinforcing high expectations, supporting behaviour routines and promoting respectful relationships that enable student wellbeing and engagement. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Support the delivery of teaching and learning by working with teachers to implement learning activities that enable students to engage with the curriculum and make progress Work with individual students and small groups to clarify instructions, support understanding and encourage independent learning Support students to use learning resources, equipment and materials appropriately during lessons Monitor student engagement and understanding, providing feedback to teachers to inform teaching approaches and support strategies Provide timely support during lessons including prompting, questioning, reading or scribing to enable participation in learning Contribute to assessment by observing and recording student progress, achievements and areas for development Support behaviour management by reinforcing expectations, routines and positive conduct to maintain a safe and purposeful learning environment Build positive relationships with students and promote confidence, resilience and independence in learning Support students with SEND or additional needs through agreed strategies and targeted interventions to enable inclusive access to learning Assist with the preparation of learning resources and support additional activities such as homework clubs or intervention sessions Work collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff and colleagues to support effective curriculum delivery and inclusive practice Contribute to the wider life of the school, including supervision duties and extra-curricular activities where appropriate THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Holds a relevant Level 2 qualification in supporting teaching and learning or equivalent Holds Level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and mathematics Demonstrates effective questioning, observation and assessment skills to support student learning Understands the role of a teaching assistant in supporting and supervising students within structured learning activities Communicates clearly and works effectively with students and colleagues Listens and responds sensitively to the needs of students Organises work effectively and follows direction from teaching staff while contributing positively to the learning environment Understands positive behaviour management approaches that support a productive classroom Shows a caring and supportive approach, with awareness of the needs of students with SEND Works effectively as part of a team and independently when required Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates reliability and professionalism Adapts to changing situations and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development 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 5000 students across nine 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 unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people. You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website. BENEFITS Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth. Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes. Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service. ME Day : Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration. Professional Development : We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff. Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks. Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate. Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services. Wellbeing and Health : Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible. Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more. Mental Health First Aid support. Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community. Employee Referral Scheme . Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day. ABOUT THE SCHOOL Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11-16 secondary school in an urban context which is as committed to the welfare of students and staff as it is to our high-quality education. Staff wellbeing is a key focus of the school. Staff voice is very important to us in determining both our change management plans and our ongoing wellbeing objectives. Our school benefits from excellent, modern facilities and teaching spaces and we are very proud of our vibrant, diverse and engaging students who work hard and have high aspirations. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.