Hamilton School is seeking a committed and compassionate Teaching Assistant to support students within our Secondary SEMH setting. This is a rewarding opportunity to work closely with young people who may experience barriers to learning linked to social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties or additional learning needs.

You will work alongside teachers and colleagues to help students engage positively with learning, develop confidence and independence, regulate emotions and behaviour, and achieve their individual learning and personal development targets. The role requires a calm, consistent and relationship-focused approach that supports students to feel safe, respected and successful within school.

The successful candidate will contribute to creating a structured, inclusive and supportive learning environment through the use of positive behaviour support strategies, trauma-informed practice and de-escalation approaches. You will support students both within and outside the classroom and play an important role in promoting engagement, wellbeing and positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers in delivering high-quality teaching and learning activities
• Support students individually and in small groups to access learning and remain engaged
• Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with students
• Support students to develop independence, resilience and self-regulation skills
• Use positive behaviour management and CPI-informed de-escalation strategies
• Assist with targeted interventions and structured support programmes
• Monitor student engagement and provide feedback to teaching staff
• Support students with SEND and SEMH needs using agreed strategies and interventions
• Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment
• Contribute positively to the wider life and culture of the school

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEMH or SEND environment
• Be calm, resilient and able to respond positively to challenging situations
• Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team while also using initiative appropriately
• Demonstrate a caring, patient and adaptable approach
• Be committed to supporting students to achieve positive outcomes
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing
• Hold relevant qualifications or experience appropriate to the role

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.