At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to help students develop social and emotional skills for school readiness.
- Company: Haywards Farm School, a specialist independent school focused on supporting diverse learning needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health cash plan, life insurance, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's educational journey while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN support, strong communication skills, and a passion for alternative learning.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Teaching Assistant (1:1 Support) at Haywards Farm School, working in partnership with Stable Futures Alternative Provision.
About Haywards Farm School
Haywards Farm School is a small, outstanding independent specialist school in West Berkshire, supporting up to 34 pupils. We work with children and young people who have a range of needs, including learning difficulties, autism (ASD), and social, emotional and mental health needs. Many of our pupils have experienced disrupted education and benefit from consistent, relational support to help them re‑engage with learning, routines and school life. Our approach focuses on building trust, developing confidence and creating the conditions for every child to succeed.
About Stable Futures
Stable Futures, part of Amegreen Children’s Services, is a specialist Alternative Provision offering Equine & Animal Assisted and Outdoor Learning programmes. Through therapeutic engagement with animals and an alternative curriculum including PSHE, Art & Design, Horticulture, Culinary Skills and Careers guidance, pupils build confidence, emotional regulation and engagement with learning. A dedicated forest school site adds hands‑on bushcraft experiences, helping young people reconnect with education and develop the skills for school life.
The Role
This is a unique opportunity for an energetic, compassionate Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a named student at the start of their school journey. Initially based full-time within the Stable Futures provision, you will help the student develop the social, emotional and behavioural foundations to become “school ready” – supporting them to feel safe, build trust, improve attendance and grow in confidence. Over time you will support a gradual transition into Haywards Farm School, working closely with the Stable Futures team, school staff and therapists to ensure a consistent, holistic approach aligned with the student's EHCP outcomes. Patience, consistency and emotional intelligence are essential. This role plays a vital part in helping a young person take their first steps back into education.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide consistent 1:1 support for a named student, helping them develop the social and emotional skills needed to become school ready.
- Support the student to engage in sessions delivered through Stable Futures, including farm‑based and forest provision activities.
- Build a strong, trusting relationship while maintaining clear structure and boundaries.
- Use a calm, therapeutic approach to support behaviour and emotional regulation.
- Share observations and progress updates with staff and, where appropriate, parents.
- Work alongside therapists to implement strategies linked to EHCP objectives.
- Support the student’s gradual transition into Haywards Farm School, working closely with both the school and Stable Futures teams.
You Will Ideally Have
- At least two years’ experience in a similar role (SEN support, behaviour support, alternative provision, or residential childcare).
- Strong communication skills and emotional resilience.
- A consistent, professional and calm approach to supporting vulnerable pupils.
- Flexibility and creativity in adapting support to individual needs.
- A passion for alternative and outdoor learning environments, including farm and forest settings.
- Experience supporting pupils during transitions into education.
- Physical capability for the demands of the role, including potential physical intervention in line with behaviour support plans.
- Willingness to complete training in safe physical intervention techniques (essential).
Working Pattern And Benefits
Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, with minimal after‑hours commitments. 10 INSET days across the year. Therapeutic reflection and twice‑daily briefings to support strong practice. Opportunities to collaborate across West Berkshire and partner schools.
Additional Benefits
- Life insurance (death in service) – 4× annual salary.
- Health cash plan (Health Shield) (after probation).
- Comprehensive training and development including CPD and therapeutic practice.
- Free holiday accommodation – company holiday home on the south coast.
- Blue Light Card and local partner discounts.
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential support).
- Enhanced employer pension contributions.
- Company sick pay scheme (after 6 months of service).
- Electric car scheme and Cycle to Work.
- Employee of the Month and long service awards.
- Discounted driving lessons with local instructor.
- Referral bonus scheme.
Equality and Diversity
Amegreen is committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves in a safe, inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and actively seek to build diverse teams.
Safeguarding and GDPR
Amegreen Children's Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references and mandatory safeguarding and GDPR training, including a full employment history review.
1:1 Teaching Assistant employer: Amegreen Childrens Services
Contact Detail:
Amegreen Childrens Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1:1 Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Haywards Farm School and Stable Futures to understand their approach. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role there. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your past experience. Be ready to discuss how you've supported students with similar needs, and how you can bring your unique skills to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Haywards Farm School and Stable Futures.
We think you need these skills to ace 1:1 Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the role of a Teaching Assistant. We want to see how your background aligns with supporting students with diverse needs, so don’t hold back!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working in alternative and outdoor learning environments shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about helping young people reconnect with education, so share your experiences or ideas related to this!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amegreen Childrens Services
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Haywards Farm School's approach and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on building trust and developing confidence in students. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in supporting children with special educational needs. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully helped a student overcome challenges, especially in emotional regulation or social skills.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
During the interview, emphasise your emotional resilience and ability to connect with vulnerable pupils. Share anecdotes that illustrate your calm and therapeutic approach, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the strategies used for supporting transitions into education or how the school collaborates with therapists. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the well-being of the students.