We are looking to appoint  Teaching Assistants to support the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning at John Rankin School. The role will involve working with teachers to enable individual students and small groups to access the curriculum, engage in learning, develop independence and make progress in line with their individual needs and targets.

The successful candidates will support students within the classroom environment, using agreed strategies and resources to respond to individual learning, SEND and behavioural needs. This will include helping students to understand instructions, use learning resources appropriately, participate in learning activities and develop confidence, resilience and independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers with the delivery of learning activities that enable students to access the curriculum.
• Work with individual students and small groups to clarify instructions, support understanding and encourage independent learning.
• Observe student engagement and understanding, sharing feedback with teachers to inform support strategies.
• Support students with SEND or additional learning needs through agreed strategies and targeted interventions.
• Reinforce classroom routines, behaviour expectations and respectful relationships.
• Prepare and organise learning resources or materials required for lessons or learning activities.
• Support students during homework clubs, subject support sessions, examinations, assessments or other learning activities where required.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and respectful learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidates will have an NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English and mathematics. They will have good communication and interpersonal skills, good questioning skills, and the ability to listen carefully and respond sensitively to students’ individual needs.

They will be able to organise their own work effectively, follow guidance from teaching colleagues and contribute positively to a purposeful learning environment. A caring and positive attitude towards students is essential, together with an understanding of positive behaviour management approaches and an awareness of the needs of students with special educational needs.

We are looking for someone who can work effectively as part of a team and independently when required. The successful candidates will be calm, adaptable, reliable and committed to supporting students to achieve improved outcomes.

 About John Rankin School

The school where you grow and learn. Our job is not to prepare learners for something; our job is to help learners prepare themselves for anything. Life always bring challenge – we will develop brave and resilient individuals prepared for any every-changing world. Our vision and values are at the core of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning and provide an environment which prepares our pupils as confident, happy citizens.

At the core of everything we do is our values, Courage, Creativity, Curiosity, Compassion and Composure.

 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 eleven 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 brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on 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.