River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.

You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Way.

River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.

The appointed candidate will support students with SEND and additional needs through targeted interventions, enabling them to engage in learning, develop independence and achieve their potential. Work closely with the SENCO and teaching staff to deliver effective support both 1:1 and in small groups. Contribute to a safe, inclusive and well-managed school environment that promotes positive behaviour, wellbeing and successful learning outcomes.

• Support the delivery of targeted interventions for students with SEND, behavioural needs and other barriers to learning
• Work 1:1 and with small groups to enable students to engage in learning, develop independence and achieve their potential
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive and well-organised school environment across the school day
• Work under the direction of the SENCO to ensure students receive appropriate, effective support aligned to their individual needs

Key responsibilities

• Deliver targeted interventions across areas including Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health
• Support students to build confidence, resilience and independence in their learning
• Monitor, track and review the impact of interventions using agreed systems
• Work collaboratively with the SENCO, SEND team and teaching staff to implement appropriate support strategies
• Support students in lessons, homework clubs and other learning activities to improve understanding and engagement
• Assist with assessment processes including student voice activities and structured testing
• Promote positive behaviour by modelling high expectations and reinforcing school routines
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive environment that supports student wellbeing
• Support supervision and duty activities to ensure safe and orderly school operations
• Prepare and organise resources for interventions and learning activities
• Support examinations and assessments as a reader, scribe or prompt when required

Working relationships

• Build positive and professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents, carers and external partners
• Work collaboratively across the school and, where required, across the Trust to support shared outcomes and effective practice

The ideal candidate will have

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in English and mathematics
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to support learning through effective questioning and observation
• Understanding of supporting students with SEND and additional needs
• Ability to follow direction and work as part of a team
• Good organisation and planning skills
• A calm, adaptable and reliable approach
• Commitment to inclusion, student wellbeing and positive behaviour

Safeguarding

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Awareness of safeguarding procedures and responsibility to report concerns appropriately
• All roles are subject to satisfactory employment checks, references and an enhanced DBS check

This role contributes directly to supporting students to overcome barriers to learning, develop key skills and achieve positive outcomes within an inclusive and supportive school environment.

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 5,000 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.

About the School

River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.

The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties.

The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.

To learn more about River Academy, please visit the school website: www.river-academy.co.uk

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.