Teaching Assistant

Working closely with teachers, you will support individual students and small groups to access the curriculum, engage positively in learning and develop greater confidence and independence. You will respond to individual learning, SEND and behavioural needs, using agreed strategies and resources to help students participate fully and make progress. As a Disability Confident employer , we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020. Key Responsibilities Work with teachers to understand lesson objectives, planned activities and individual student support needs. Support individual students and small groups to understand instructions, access learning activities and develop independent learning skills. Check students’ understanding and provide appropriate support, including the use of visual and verbal prompts where required. Encourage students to participate in lessons, develop their thinking skills and take pride in their work. Provide constructive feedback to students and share observations with teachers to support assessment and future planning. Support positive behaviour and classroom routines, helping to maintain a safe, purposeful and respectful learning environment. Support students with SEND or additional learning needs through agreed strategies and targeted interventions. Help students develop confidence, resilience and independence in their learning. Prepare and organise learning resources and support small intervention groups where directed. Work collaboratively with teachers, SEND colleagues and other colleagues to promote an inclusive learning environment. The Ideal Candidate You will have an NVQ Level 2 / CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent, together with an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English and mathematics. You will also be able to demonstrate: Good questioning, observation and assessment skills. An understanding of how to support students with learning activities and encourage independence. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to listen carefully and respond sensitively to individual student needs. An understanding of positive behaviour management approaches. Awareness of the needs of students with special educational needs. A caring, positive and adaptable approach. The ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently when required. A commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding and ongoing professional development. Maiden Erlegh School (MES) Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students aged 11-18 , located in Lower Earley, near Reading. Relationships between students and staff are extremely positive, and students are keen, curious, respectful and ambitious. Academic outcomes continue to improve year on year, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8 , alongside a thriving sixth form. Staff are dedicated professionals who go the extra mile to support students to achieve their best. The school offers strong professional development opportunities and a warm, supportive welcome to new colleagues. 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 of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including: Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible) Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes Mental Health First Aid Support Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET 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. Additional Information If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, 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. Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.