At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and help students thrive in their learning journey.
- Company: Hartland High School, a vibrant educational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, holiday pay, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and ability to support diverse learning needs.
The predicted salary is between 13.69 - 13.69 £ per hour.
Location: 2300 – Hartland High School (Reading).
Contract: Part‑time (hourly rate pro‑rated from £25,185–£26,403 per annum, £13.05–£13.69 per hour plus holiday pay).
Date posted: 12/06/2026.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Teaching Assistants provide valuable support to teaching staff and make a significant contribution to the education and well‑being of pupils. This job description is not exhaustive and serves only to highlight the main requirements of the post holder. The line manager may stipulate other reasonable requirements. The job description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to change. The post holder will work flexibly throughout all Key Stages of the Secondary Phase.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work alongside the SENDCO and the Learning Support Team to support students with learning, physical, medical, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
- Ensure students can access the curriculum, make appropriate progress and develop suitable classroom behaviour.
- Actively promote and contribute to the academy ethos and values.
- Assist teachers in facilitating and encouraging learning, enabling students to achieve high standards and become independent learners.
- Contribute to the evaluation of the school’s SEND and Inclusion Policies through discussions with relevant staff.
- Attend in‑service training provided by the school or local authority.
- Attend school team meetings and external agency meetings, and prepare reports when required.
- Provide in‑class support to identified individual students or small groups (4–5 pupils), including specialist subject support.
- Assist in managing the whole class, modelling effective behaviour‑management techniques.
- Develop and lead small‑group work (e.g., reading schemes, phonics, numeracy, social skills) and maintain appropriate paperwork.
- Produce teaching and learning materials, differentiating content as needed.
- Provide personal care support for students with physical or medical difficulties (after training).
- Offer before‑ and after‑school support for identified students.
- Give regular feedback to the class teacher, the SENDCO, or the relevant line manager.
- Use appropriate systems to record student progress.
- Supply data for Annual and Transition Review paperwork, PSPs, Student Profiles and Academic Reporting.
- Assess students and provide data for analysis by staff.
- Support students during tests/exams to utilize full access arrangements.
- Communicate with parents/carers and professionals (e.g., Educational Psychologist) as required.
- Coordinate with other school teams to meet all student needs.
- Promote student independence using a variety of reward strategies.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
- Continue personal development in relevant areas, including subject knowledge and teaching methods.
- Participate actively in the Performance Management process.
- Engage in whole‑school professional learning programmes.
- Join the staff development programme for further training and professional growth.
SAFEGUARDING
- Be accountable for safeguarding children and support the application of the Safeguarding Policy.
- Comply with the school’s Safeguarding Policy to ensure child welfare.
- Receive enhanced DBS disclosure as part of vetting.
Applications must be received no later than 11.59 pm on 3rd July 2026. Applications after this date will not be considered. Apply online.
Casual Teaching Assistant in Reading employer: Astrea Academy Trust
Hartland High School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and well-being of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where teaching assistants play a vital role in shaping students' educational journeys. With flexible working hours and opportunities for continuous development through in-service training and performance management, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to a positive learning environment. Located in Reading, the school fosters a collaborative atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and student support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Teaching Assistant in Reading
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like Astrea Academy Trust or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at Astrea Academy Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Teaching Assistant in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Casual Teaching Assistant at Astrea Academy Trust, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at Astrea Academy Trust.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining Astrea Academy Trust and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Casual Teaching Assistant role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at Astrea Academy Trust to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Astrea Academy Trust
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show Astrea Academy Trust you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at Astrea Academy Trust will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure Astrea Academy Trust that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to Astrea Academy Trust about what you bring to the table.
