At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise classes, maintain a calm environment, and support student engagement during teacher absences.
- Company: Join River Academy, a vibrant school focused on calm classrooms and engaged learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of a growing community dedicated to high-quality education and student welfare.
- 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
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 - Calm Classrooms, Engaged Learning 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 within a supportive community. Located in Reading, the school offers a calm and purposeful learning environment, alongside generous benefits such as a comprehensive pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and extensive opportunities for career growth through the Maiden Erlegh Institute. Joining our team means contributing to the educational success of young people while being recognised and valued for your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cover Supervisor - Calm Classrooms, Engaged Learning 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 interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions for Cover Supervisors, like how you'd handle classroom behaviour or keep students engaged. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your A-game to the interview! Dress smartly and arrive early. This shows you're serious about the role and respect their time. Plus, it gives you a moment to calm those pre-interview nerves!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Cover Supervisor - Calm Classrooms, Engaged Learning in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about working with students.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Cover Supervisor role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with our focus on calm classrooms and engaged learning. Show us how you can contribute to maintaining a purposeful environment!
Follow Instructions:Pay close attention to the application instructions. If we ask for specific questions in your personal statement, make sure to answer them clearly. This shows us that you can follow directions and are detail-oriented.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to explore more about our school and values!
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 focus on calm classrooms and engaged learning. Familiarise yourself with their values of high expectations and inclusivity, as this will help you align your answers with what they’re 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’ve given clear instructions or built positive relationships, as these will demonstrate your ability to maintain authority while being approachable.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions around behaviour management strategies. Be ready to discuss your understanding of positive behaviour management and share specific techniques you’ve used to keep students focused and engaged during lessons.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to professional development or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
