Hamilton School is seeking a Cover Supervisor to provide high-quality classroom supervision during teacher absence. This role ensures continuity of learning in a supportive, structured and trauma-informed environment. You will play a key role in maintaining consistent routines, building positive relationships and supporting students, particularly those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, to remain engaged in learning.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise classes during teacher absence, ensuring students can access and engage with work set
• Clearly explain tasks and adapt communication to meet a range of student needs
• Maintain a calm, predictable and supportive classroom environment
• Support students to remain focused and re-engage those who may struggle
• Manage behaviour using positive, restorative and trauma-informed approaches
• Record and report on student engagement, behaviour and wellbeing
• Collect and return completed work to teaching staff
• Contribute to duties across the school day, including break and lunchtime supervision
• Support inclusion and behaviour teams where required
• Undertake exam invigilation and support school activities, including after-school provision
• Ensure attendance is recorded and classrooms are left tidy and organised

The ideal candidate

• NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent
• Understanding of how students with SEMH needs learn
• Ability to adapt support to meet emotional and behavioural needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with students
• Effective organisational skills and the ability to respond flexibly
• Confidence in managing behaviour using calm and supportive approaches
• Resilient, patient and empathetic with a strong sense of responsibility
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people

 Hamilton School

Hamilton School in Reading is a place of opportunity, belonging and growth for young people aged 11–16. As a special school within Maiden Erlegh Trust, it provides a highly supportive environment for students who benefit from smaller classes, strong relationships and personalised approaches that help them learn, develop confidence and succeed in life.

Every day at Hamilton is different. Staff work closely as a team to spark curiosity, celebrate progress and help students build the skills they need for the future. The school moved into its purpose-built home on Bulmershe Road in 2022, a modern and welcoming space designed around the needs of its learners.

Hamilton supports students with social, emotional and mental health needs and is recognised for its expertise, teamwork and impact, including a Pride of Reading Award nomination from parents.

The Hamilton team is united by commitment and compassion, and colleagues describe the staff team as exceptional in how they support one another and their students. As part of the Trust’s Special and Alternative Provision Hub, colleagues connect across schools to share practice, develop professionally and access strong wellbeing support.

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 800 staff and 5000 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 by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

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, 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 and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.