We are seeking a committed and compassionate Teaching
Assistant with ELSA responsibilities to join our inclusive and supportive
team at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge. This role is central to helping students
access learning, build confidence, and develop the social and emotional skills
they need to thrive.
Working closely with teachers, the Inclusion Manager and the
SEND team, you will provide high-quality learning support, deliver targeted
ELSA interventions, and contribute to a purposeful, calm and structured
environment where every student can make meaningful progress.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is
passionate about supporting young people and who is looking to develop their
expertise within a strong, collaborative Trust.
Key Responsibilities
• Plan, prepare and deliver ELSA sessions, keeping
accurate notes and attending scheduled supervision.
• Provide tailored learning support that helps students understand
instructions, stay engaged, and make purposeful progress.
• Promote resilience, confidence and independence through positive routines,
modelling and encouragement.
• Work collaboratively with teachers to align support with planned learning and
contribute observations that aid responsive teaching.
• Use agreed strategies effectively to meet individual SEND and behavioural
needs.
• Support students individually or in small groups in line with profiles set by
the Inclusion Manager or SENCO.
• Assist in exam support (reader, scribe, prompt) as required.
• Contribute to consistent behaviour routines that maintain a calm, orderly
environment.
• Prepare resources, monitor student progress and maintain accurate records.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
• Has ELSA training and experience (or willingness to undertake
training).
• Holds NVQ Level 2 / CACHE Level 2 or equivalent qualifications.
• Communicates clearly, builds trust and motivates students effectively.
• Demonstrates strong observation, assessment and record-keeping skills.
• Shows confidence supporting students with SEND.
• Works collaboratively, remains calm under pressure and adapts to changing
needs.
• Is caring, professional and committed to their own development.
• Has experience working with children in a school setting.
Why join Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge?
• A friendly, supportive and values-driven school community.
• Strong leadership support, mentoring and CPD opportunities (including ELSA
development).
• Opportunities to collaborate across Maiden Erlegh Trust.
• A school that prioritises student wellbeing, staff wellbeing and a safe,
purposeful learning environment.
Applying for this role
If you would like to join our team and make a real
difference to young people, we would be delighted to hear from you. Early
applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview suitable
candidates as they apply.
Safeguarding Statement
Maiden Erlegh Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality
and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are
expected to share these commitments. All posts require satisfactory employment
checks, references and an enhanced DBS check. Leadership roles also require a
Section 128 check.
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.
About Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge
Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is committed to ensuring that students achieve their full potential and flourish in a school where expectations of ourselves and our students are high. We provide a rich and varied curriculum, as well as an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. Staff and students alike can benefit from the smaller community school feel which makes Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge so special. The semi-rural location in Sonning Common lends itself to beautiful views, as well as being close to Henley and Reading. Staff have the chance to take part in lots of different opportunities within the school, and we are committed to continued professional development. Staff wellbeing is prioritised and our Wellbeing Group continues to work hard to support our staff body.
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 Revalued Earnings schemes.
• Annual Leave
A generous holiday entitlement that increases with length of service.
• ME Day
One day of additional leave each year to attend a significant personal event (e.g. child’s sports day, graduation, family celebration).
• Professional Development
A comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to attend and deliver CPD.
Annual all-staff Conference featuring workshops, networking and learning.
Access to development opportunities via the Apprenticeship Levy and participation in professional networks.
• Hybrid Working
For eligible roles, a balanced blend of remote and on-site working arrangements.
• Perkbox
Access to a wide range of discounts and wellbeing resources, plus 25 Perk Points each month to exchange for goods and services.
• Wellbeing and Health
Free flu vaccinations for all staff and free eye tests for eligible colleagues.
• Employee Assistance Programme
Access to 24/7 support, discount vouchers and additional wellbeing services.
• Mental Health First Aid Support
Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders across the Trust.
• Recognition and Community
Regular celebration of achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.
• Employee Referral Scheme
Financial incentives for referring successful candidates to the Trust.
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
