The Teaching Assistant will play a key role in facilitating learning by supporting individual pupils and small groups in line with school policy and government initiatives, contributing to high standards of pupil achievement. The post holder will work closely with teachers and other colleagues to help students become independent learners and to support both academic progress and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with class teachers on a daily basis to support learning activities and promote pupil independence.
• Provide targeted support to individuals or small groups of pupils, clarifying instructions and supporting the effective use of learning materials and equipment.
• Assist with the delivery of educational programmes, including supporting the development of reading, writing, spelling and listening skills.
• Establish positive, productive relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations for behaviour and engagement.
• Support classroom management by reinforcing standards of behaviour and tidiness.
• Prepare learning resources and assist with monitoring, assessing, recording and reporting on pupil progress.
• Contribute to duty rotas and other activities as directed by the Head of School.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required within the scope of the role.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have:

• NVQ Level 2 / CACHE Level 2 Certificate (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• Knowledge of the school curriculum and the standards expected of pupils.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Good observation, questioning and assessment skills.
• A calm, adaptable and positive approach, with a caring attitude and sensitivity to pupils’ needs.
• Commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, equality and the welfare of children and young people.

Experience of working with children with special educational needs is desirable but not essential.

Safeguarding

This post requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with Children’s Barred List. Maiden Erlegh Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and staff. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and references

How to Apply

For further details and to apply, please visit the Maiden Erlegh Trust website. Applications will be reviewed on receipt, and early application is encouraged.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is ambitious for all and is committed to supporting every colleague to reach their full potential.

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 750 staff and 4,500 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 here on our website.

Maiden Erlegh School

 Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students from 11-18 years old, situated in Lower Earley, near Reading. Our students are a delight to work with and relationships between students and staff are extremely positive and constructive.  Students are keen to learn, curious, respectful, polite and fun. They rise to challenges positively and enthusiastically and have high expectations of themselves. This is why they achieve such impressive academic and personal successes, and our results continue to improve year on year - this year placing us in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8. We also have a thriving 6^th form and many of our students stay on to study here.

Our staff are dedicated, talented professionals who go the extra mile for the students because they are committed to helping them realise their dreams, achieve the greatest possible success, overcome any personal challenges. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and focused on delivering varied and stimulating lessons. Support staff work tirelessly to ensure the school can provide the best education possible. We have an excellent professional development offering for all of our staff which helps ensure they are satisfied in their work. We seek to develop and motivate our colleagues at every opportunity, and we offer a very warm welcome to all our new team members when they join us.

 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.

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.

 Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.