At a Glance
- Tasks: Support positive student conduct and maintain a calm learning environment.
- Company: River Academy, a rapidly growing school with a strong focus on student behaviour.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension scheme, professional development, and wellness resources.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27245 - 27245 £ per year.
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £27,245 annually (FTE £31,537)
Closing Date: 15 June 2026
About This Role
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%.
River Academy is seeking to appoint a Behaviour Support Worker to support positive student conduct and contribute to a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment. This is an important pastoral and behaviour support role. The successful candidate will help operate key behaviour systems across the school, including On Patrol duties, daily after‑school detention, Supported Study and Inclusion areas. They will work closely with pastoral colleagues, teaching colleagues and senior leaders to support students throughout the school day. The role will suit someone who is confident, calm, fair and consistent, with the ability to build positive relationships with young people while maintaining high expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Support school behaviour systems, including break, lunch and allocated On Patrol duties.
- Supervise students in Supported Study, Inclusion and other behaviour support areas.
- Support the Pastoral Team in responding to behaviour issues across all year groups.
- Register and accurately record student attendance in supervised areas.
- Maintain orderly entry to and exit from supervised spaces.
- Create and maintain a calm, safe and purposeful environment conducive to learning.
- Guide students on work set by teaching colleagues and ensure access to appropriate resources.
- Analyse behaviour data using school systems and produce reports for relevant leaders, teaching and pastoral colleagues.
- Comply fully with school policies, safeguarding procedures, risk assessments and health and safety requirements.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will have experience of working with young people in a relevant setting, such as education, youth work, health or social services. They will understand the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries. They will be able to establish authority and mutual respect with students, apply behaviour expectations consistently, and respond to challenging situations with resilience and emotional robustness. Strong communication, organisation and record‑keeping skills are essential. A willingness to analyse behaviour data and contribute to improvement activity is also important. The ability or willingness to drive the school minibus is desirable.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, auto‑enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual Leave: Generous holiday entitlement, increases with length of service.
- ME Day: One additional day’s leave each year for special personal events.
- Professional Development: Comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, opportunities to attend and deliver CPD, annual conference, apprenticeship levy funding.
- Hybrid Working: Flexible approach for eligible roles, balancing remote and office‑based work where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Access to discounts and wellness resources.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations, free eye tests for eligible staff.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support and discount vouchers. Mental Health First Aid support.
- Recognition and Community: Celebration of staff achievements and milestones within the TeamMET community.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
Contact A Hartley – Email: Hartley@maidenerleghtrust.org
Behaviour Support Worker at River Academy in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
River Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises a calm and purposeful learning environment, fostering strong relationships between staff and students. With a commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles. Located in Reading, Berkshire, River Academy offers a unique opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing school community dedicated to high standards and student success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support Worker at River Academy in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out River Academy's website and social media. Understanding their values and environment will help you connect with the team and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your experience aligns with the role of a Behaviour Support Worker. Prepare examples that highlight your skills in managing behaviour and building relationships with students.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at River Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider tips and might even lead to a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the River Academy team. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Support Worker at River Academy in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Behaviour Support Worker role. We want to see how you can contribute to our calm and purposeful learning environment!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your communication and organisation skills in your written application. These are key for maintaining high expectations and building positive relationships with students, which is super important for us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforwardness, so make sure your passion for supporting students shines through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the River Academy team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know the River Way
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values, especially the River Way. Understand how they promote calm and purposeful learning environments, as this will help you align your answers with their expectations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with young people, particularly in behaviour support or educational settings. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build positive relationships and handle challenging situations effectively.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Strong communication is key for a Behaviour Support Worker. Think of instances where you've successfully communicated with students, colleagues, or parents. Be prepared to explain how you maintain authority while being approachable and fair.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Scenarios
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific behaviour issues or scenarios in the school environment. Practise your responses to ensure you can articulate your approach to maintaining high expectations and supporting students effectively.
