We are seeking a compassionate, adaptable, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team. Your role will be to support pupils across KS3 & KS4 (individually and in small group), helping them access learning, regulate behaviour, and develop strategies to manage social and emotional challenges.

You will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and external agencies to ensure every pupil receives consistent, high-quality support.  This role is ideal for dedicated professionals who have a passion for supporting young people who face difficulties in mainstream education.

Supporting our young people who have been through challenging  times, is rewarding as we see them develop and succeed in reaching their full potential, gaining educational outcomes, and returning to mainstream wherever possible.

There is a high staff to pupil ratio - classes are small (max of 5 pupils). We offer a supportive management team with “an open door SLT”,  Rights to Disconnect policy, & offer opportunities for staff to effect real change, and grow professionally.

Rivers ESC works with a varied cohort of pupils including children classed as missing education, permanently excluded from mainstream schools, and many of the pupils have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEBD).

Key Responsibilities

·         Provide tailored in‑class and out‑of‑class support to pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs

·         Assist teachers in delivering engaging and accessible learning activities

·         Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to promote engagement and wellbeing

·         Support the development and implementation of behaviour strategies and personalised plans

·         Help create a calm, safe, and inclusive environment

·         Contribute to the monitoring of pupil progress and the maintenance of accurate records

·         Work collaboratively with staff to promote positive behaviour, attendance, and motivation

About You

·         We are looking for someone who is:

·         Patient, emotionally resilient, and committed to supporting vulnerable pupils

·         A strong communicator with the ability to model positive behaviour

·         Able to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations

·         Skilled at building rapport and maintaining professional boundaries

·         A team player with a flexible, solution-focused approach

·         Experienced in working with children/young people with SEMH & SEN needs (desirable but not essential)

What We Offer

·         A supportive and experienced team

·         Ongoing training in behaviour management, safeguarding and SEND

·         Opportunities for career development within the ESC and wider education settings

·         A role that makes a real difference to young people’s lives

The duties and responsibilities listed in the job description are as present.  The post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary. 

Rivers ESC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, 2 employment references, medical, and online/social media checks.

We welcome visits to our school from potential applicants. Please contact HR Manager heather.dunne@riversesc.herts.sch.uk to arrange.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications irrespective of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation and/or age. We value the individuality and creativity that every worker potentially brings to the workforce.

 H5 Salary (4 days £18,901, 5 day £23,311).