At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise classes, maintain a focused environment, and support students during teacher absence.
- Company: Join River Academy, a vibrant school with a strong commitment to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and wellness resources.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to high-quality education and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, strong communication skills, and a passion for working with young people.
The predicted salary is between 25770 - 25770 £ per year.
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Part-Time
Salary: £25,770.00 Annually (Actual)
Grade: 6 SCP 18 Term Time only Plus 5 INSET days working 35 hours per week. FTE £31,537
Hours Per Week: 35
Closing Date: Midnight, Mon 15th Jun, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 1
Interview Date(s): week commencing Monday 22nd 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 Cover Supervisor to provide effective classroom supervision during teacher absence. This is an important role in supporting continuity of learning across the school. The successful candidate will deliver work set by teaching colleagues, maintain a purposeful classroom environment and ensure students remain focused, engaged and supported throughout the lesson. The role also includes recording lesson activity, supporting behaviour expectations and contributing to the smooth running of the school day.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise classes during teacher absence and ensure students complete the work set.
- Give clear instructions to students and provide the resources needed for learning.
- Maintain a calm, orderly and purposeful classroom environment.
- Support students to remain focused and engaged in learning activities.
- Follow school behaviour systems and report concerns appropriately.
- Record attendance and provide feedback to teaching colleagues on lesson progress, engagement and any issues arising.
- Support duties, exam invigilation and wider supervision across the school day where required.
The Ideal Candidate We Are Looking For Someone Who Has:
- An NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
- Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students.
- Confidence in working with young people and maintaining appropriate authority in the classroom.
- A firm but friendly approach.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- An understanding of positive behaviour management.
- A flexible, responsible and professional approach.
- A commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
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 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 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 unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.
Benefits:
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
- ME Day: Colleagues may request 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: We offer 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 Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
- Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.
- Mental Health First Aid support.
- Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate 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 by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.
If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, 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. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Cover Supervisor at River Academy in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
River Academy, part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With a strong focus on creating a calm and purposeful learning environment, employees benefit from generous pension contributions, comprehensive professional learning opportunities, and a supportive community that values collaboration and inclusion. Located in Reading, the academy offers a unique chance to contribute to the educational journey of students while enjoying a range of employee benefits and a commitment to personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cover Supervisor at River Academy in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research River Academy and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. As a Cover Supervisor, you'll need to build positive relationships with students. Role-play common classroom scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff at River Academy on LinkedIn or attend local education events. Building relationships can give you insider info 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 Maiden Erlegh Trust community. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Cover Supervisor at River Academy in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Cover Supervisor role at River Academy. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, showing us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your personal statement, keep it straightforward and to the point. We want to see your passion and qualifications without wading through unnecessary fluff. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your communication and organisational skills! These are key for a Cover Supervisor. Share examples of how you've successfully managed classroom environments or supported students in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you can find more info about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand River Academy's values and mission. Familiarise yourself with their focus on calm, purposeful learning environments and high expectations for students. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Cover Supervisor, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with students in the past. Think about times when you maintained authority while being approachable, as this is crucial for building positive relationships.
✨Demonstrate Behaviour Management Strategies
Be ready to discuss your approach to behaviour management. River Academy values a firm but friendly approach, so think of specific strategies you've used to keep students engaged and focused. Share any experiences where you successfully handled challenging situations.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, support for staff development, and how they implement their behaviour systems. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
