Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant to join our supportive and forward-thinking team. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone passionate about helping young people succeed, removing barriers to learning and contributing to an inclusive school community.

Working under the guidance of teachers and leaders, you will support students both in and out of the classroom, helping to create a positive and aspirational environment where every child can thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning across a range of subjects and year groups.
• Work with individuals and small groups to provide targeted academic and pastoral support.
• Assist teachers with lesson preparation, assessment and delivery.
• Promote positive behaviour and help maintain an effective learning environment.
• Support students with SEND and additional needs, adapting tasks as appropriate.
• Build supportive relationships with students to promote independence, resilience and confidence.
• Assist with supervision duties, including break and lunchtime responsibilities.
• Contribute to wider school life, upholding the ethos and values of Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge.
• Work collaboratively with staff, families and external agencies.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Is positive, patient and genuinely committed to supporting young people.
• Has strong literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths, or equivalent).
• Can build strong, supportive relationships with students.
• Works well as part of a team and communicates effectively with staff and families.
• Is organised, proactive and able to use initiative.
• Has experience working with children or young people (desirable).
• Has experience supporting students with SEND (desirable).
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

What We Offer

• A friendly, supportive and reflective team environment.
• Access to high-quality professional development and Trust-wide training.
• Opportunities for career progression across the Maiden Erlegh Trust.
• A school community committed to staff wellbeing and continuous improvement.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.

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.

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

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.