Behaviour Support Worker

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Cover Supervisor is responsible for maintaining continuity of teaching and learning during teacher absence through structured, well-managed classroom supervision. The role enables students to access and engage with work set by teaching colleagues while maintaining a calm, predictable and supportive learning environment.

Working within a Trust school, with occasional cross-Trust support in accordance with operational requirements, you will support students with differing needs, maintain behaviour expectations and contribute to student engagement, wellbeing and safety. The role also contributes to the effective day-to-day operation of the school through supervision, targeted student support and other allocated responsibilities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure continuity of learning during teacher absence by supervising classes, communicating work set by teaching colleagues clearly and supporting students to access, participate in and remain engaged with learning.




• Adapt communication and support to meet differing student needs, including supporting students with additional or SEMH needs and re‑engaging those who may struggle to focus or access learning.




• Maintain a safe, calm and purposeful classroom environment by applying school behaviour systems consistently and using relational, de‑escalation, positive, restorative and trauma‑informed approaches where appropriate.




• Support students to regulate their behaviour and emotions, promote respectful interactions and positive choices, and respond appropriately to signs of distress or dysregulation.




• Record and communicate relevant information about student engagement, progress, behaviour, wellbeing and attendance, reporting concerns through appropriate school procedures.




• Build positive professional relationships with students and work collaboratively with colleagues, leaders, parents and carers and external partners to support the effective operation of the school and cover supervision service.




• Support inclusion or behaviour teams during unallocated lessons and contribute to the supervision and safety of students during duties, after‑school activities, off‑site activities and other allocated periods across the school day.




• Undertake exam invigilation when required, maintaining compliance with the rules and procedures of external examination boards and internal regulations.




• Ensure students have appropriate resources for work set, collect and return completed work and provide relevant feedback to teaching colleagues on engagement, progress and barriers to learning.




• Manage and monitor the departmental budget effectively and comply with safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment, behaviour and data protection requirements while maintaining professional conduct and confidentiality.

Further details of responsibilities and requirements can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent.




• An understanding of how students with SEMH needs learn, how learning activities are delivered in a classroom environment and the ability to adapt support to meet emotional and behavioural needs and maintain engagement with learning.




• Knowledge of health and safety in relation to buildings maintenance.




• Good communication and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and trusting relationships with students and communicate expectations clearly and appropriately to young people.




• Excellent time management and effective organisational skills, with the ability to respond flexibly to changing situations.




• A resilient, patient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a firm but friendly approach when working with young people.




• A positive attitude towards working with young people, including those with additional needs, together with self‑confidence, a strong sense of responsibility and a good sense of humour.




• The ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and a flexible approach to working, with commitment to ongoing service and personal development through self‑evaluation and learning from others.




• A commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people, including awareness of local safeguarding policies and procedures, the requirement to report concerns, procedures relating to student registration and students missing from class, and suitability to work with children.

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 750 staff and 4,500 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 underpin everything we do and drive our commitment to 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. This includes mentoring, leadership development opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, which brings colleagues together from across the Trust to share best practice and learn together.

Joining our Trust means becoming part of a professional community that invests in people and values expertise, with the opportunity to play a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of children and young people.

You can learn more about working with us, and hear from colleagues across the Trust, on our website.

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 the Trust benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

Our benefits include:

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto‑enrolment into either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Revalued Earnings schemes.




• Annual Leave: A generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.




• ME Day: 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: 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 MET Staff Conference, bringing staff together for a full day of workshops, networking and shared learning. Apprenticeship Levy funding and professional development networks are also available.




• Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office‑based working where appropriate.




• Perkbox: Access to a wide range of discounts and wellbeing resources, with 25 Perk points each month that can be exchanged for goods and services.




• Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations for all staff and free eye tests for eligible colleagues.




• Employee Assistance Programme: Access to 24/7 confidential support, discount vouchers and additional wellbeing resources.




• Mental Health First Aid: Trained Mental Health First Aiders available across the Trust.




• Recognition and Community: Regular celebration of 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, supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Maiden Erlegh School

Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students aged 11-18, situated in Lower Earley, near Reading. Our students are a pleasure to work with, and relationships between students and staff are consistently positive, respectful and constructive. Students are keen to learn, curious, polite and enthusiastic, with high expectations of themselves. They rise to challenge positively, which is reflected in their strong academic and personal outcomes. Our results continue to improve year on year, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8. We also have a thriving sixth form, with many students choosing to continue their studies with us post-16.

Our staff are dedicated, skilled professionals who consistently go the extra mile to support students to achieve their full potential and overcome personal challenges. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and committed to delivering engaging, varied and high-quality lessons. Support staff play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the school, enabling the best possible educational experience for all students.

We place a strong emphasis on professional development and staff wellbeing, offering an excellent range of development opportunities to support colleagues at all stages of their career. We are committed to developing, motivating and supporting our staff, recognising that our people are central to the continued success of Maiden Erlegh School.

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

Safeguarding Statement

Maiden Erlegh Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Maiden Erlegh Trust ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.