The SEN Teaching Assistant plays a key role in supporting students to engage in learning, develop independence and manage their social, emotional and behavioural needs within a structured school environment. Working alongside teachers and SEND staff, the role contributes to effective teaching and learning by enabling students to access the curriculum, build confidence and make progress in line with their individual needs.

The role supports the creation of a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where students can regulate emotions, develop positive relationships and participate fully in school life. This includes the use of positive behaviour support strategies, trauma-informed approaches and de-escalation techniques to maintain engagement and wellbeing.

The postholder works collaboratively across the school to support students with additional needs, contributing to consistent practice, effective support strategies and improved outcomes for students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support teaching and learning by working with teachers to deliver learning activities that enable students to engage with the curriculum and make progress
• Support individual students and small groups to understand instructions, access tasks and develop confidence and independence in learning
• Contribute to the assessment and monitoring of student progress by observing engagement, identifying barriers to learning and providing feedback to teaching staff
• Promote a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment by modelling high expectations and supporting behaviour routines
• Implement positive behaviour management strategies and support students to develop self-regulation, resilience and coping strategies
• Use de-escalation techniques and CPI-informed approaches to support students experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties
• Build positive, consistent and trusting relationships with students to support engagement, wellbeing and personal development
• Support the delivery of targeted interventions and additional learning activities, including literacy, numeracy and communication development
• Assist with supervision and support students both within and outside the classroom to maintain engagement and return to learning
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff and colleagues to ensure appropriate support strategies are in place for students with additional needs
• Prepare and organise learning resources and support the effective use of materials and equipment
• Comply with all safeguarding, child protection, health and safety and Trust policies, maintaining confidentiality and promoting student welfare at all times

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Holds a relevant Level 2 qualification in English and mathematics, with a Level 3 qualification desirable
• Has experience of working with students, including those with SEMH or additional needs
• Demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students and colleagues
• Shows effective questioning, observation and assessment skills to support student learning and engagement
• Understands the role of a teaching assistant in supporting teaching and learning within a classroom environment
• Is able to organise their work effectively and follow guidance from teaching staff while contributing positively to the learning environment
• Has an understanding of positive behaviour management and strategies that support emotional regulation and student wellbeing
• Remains calm, supportive and adaptable when responding to challenging behaviour or working under pressure
• Demonstrates a caring and inclusive approach, with a commitment to supporting students to achieve improved outcomes
• Works effectively both as part of a team and independently, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Shows reliability, initiative and a commitment to ongoing professional development

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

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.

About 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, 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 nomination for a Pride of Reading Award from parents. 

The Hamilton team are united by their commitment and compassion, and colleagues describe the staff team as exceptional in how they support one another and their students. 

As part of our Trust’s Special and Alternative Provision Hub, colleagues also connect across schools to share practice, develop professionally, and access strong wellbeing support.

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.

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.