Teaching Assistant providing 1 to 1 support for children with SEND. at Sonning Church of England Primary School

Sonning CE Primary School has a fantastic reputation that is fully deserved. It is a result of high academic achievement, our caring, nurturing environment and our deep-rooted ethos. At Sonning, we aim to equip our children with the skills they need to make positive choices in everything they do. Like the wise man who built his house upon the rock (Matthew 7:24-25), our vision is "building strong foundations for the years ahead".

As part of this, we build excellent relationships with each other; we are a team that looks out for each other and all share a desire to provide the very best education for pupils (academically, emotionally and socially) and ensure they build strong foundations for their time at school and beyond.

Our recent Ofsted report (July 2025) rated us Outstanding in all areas and described our school as “exceptional” – this is an opportunity to work in an incredibly supportive, dedicated and passionate team. Pupil behaviour is also excellent. Our school was recently placed in the top 300 schools in the country according to KS2 data (source: The Sunday Times list of top 1000 schools).

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN FROM WORKING WITH US

We are proud of our team and what we can offer staff who wish to join us. We recognise that joining a new school is as much about what we can provide as it is about what the successful applicant can give to us. Therefore, we offer the following through our school and The Keys Academy Trust:

• A dedicated team who go above and beyond for each other.

• Commitment to and support for your professional development in a range of areas.

• A vibrant, fun and welcoming staff and environment.

• Kind, supportive and very well-behaved pupils.

• Pastoral support for pupils, as well as wellbeing support for staff.

WHY ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Working in a high-performing school like ours means that there is such clarity on vision, consistency in practice and

confidence in processes that the school and its teams run smoothly, efficiently and with precision. We have honed our

provision over the years and this allows us to innovate and be bold with our decisions, which we take with the pupils’

best interests at heart.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

The successful candidate will have the following:

• A clear passion for working with children and helping them succeed.

• An understanding of how to support pupils individually or in groups by planning effective sessions.

• Experience of working with children.

• Have high expectations for standards of achievement and behaviour.

• Be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, and be a strong and supportive team player.

• Promote our Christian ethos, vision and values.

• Be a strong and supportive team player.

Please see attached file for more details of the role.

UNDERSTANDING THE SPECIFIC ROLE

You may work as a class TA as times, but will mainly work with pupils with additional needs.  This will include working 1:1 with pupils with ASD or ADHD, MLD, SEMH and/or physical needs. Your work may include the following:

• Support children in delivering a personalised timetable that includes both learning (primarily English and Maths) and;
• Sensory/therapeutic activities such as sensory circuits, sensory activities (water and sand play), playing games and visiting our school guinea pigs.
• Supporting breaktimes.
• Emotional regulation work.
• Physio work with pupils.
• Breaking down activities/tasks and adapting tasks where needed to support pupils' learning.

You will need to build strong relationships with pupils, have the highest expectations for them and be kind and caring. Flexibility is needed and a fun and slightly playful approach works, as well as being consistent and reliable. Your questioning must be strong.

LEARN MORE, BOOK A TOUR OR APPLY FOR THE ROLE!

Our website provides a vast amount of information, including full performance data, further curriculum details and our weekly newsletters to give you a sense of what happens each week. Visit our Vacancies page to find out how to apply for the role and be a part of our team. Please email operations@sonning.wokingham.sch.uk to arrange a tour.

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced criminal records check. No agencies please.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and welcome applications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.