Teaching Assistant at Maiden Erlegh School In Reading

Location: 81 Crescent Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5SL

Contract Type: Permanent

Contract Term: Part-Time (31 hours per week, Term Time Only plus INSET days)

Salary: £26,402.00 – £28,141.00 annually (FTE) / £18,920.84 actual salary

Opening: Midnight, Mon 4th May 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

Positions Available: 1

About This Role

The Teaching Assistant contributes to effective teaching and learning by supporting students to access the curriculum, engage in lessons, and develop independence. Working closely with teachers and SEND colleagues, the role supports individual students and small groups to participate fully in learning activities and make progress in line with their needs and targets. The postholder contributes to a positive, inclusive learning environment by reinforcing high expectations, supporting behaviour routines, and promoting respectful relationships that enable student wellbeing and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of teaching and learning by working with teachers to implement learning activities that enable students to engage with the curriculum and make progress.
• Work with individual students and small groups to clarify instructions, support understanding, and encourage independent learning.
• Support students to use learning resources, equipment, and materials appropriately during lessons.
• Monitor student engagement and understanding, providing feedback to teachers to inform teaching approaches and support strategies.
• Provide timely support during lessons including prompting, questioning, reading or scribing to enable participation in learning.
• Contribute to assessment by observing and recording student progress, achievements, and areas for development.
• Support behaviour management by reinforcing expectations, routines, and positive conduct to maintain a safe and purposeful learning environment.
• Build positive relationships with students and promote confidence, resilience and independence in learning.
• Support students with SEND or additional needs through agreed strategies and targeted interventions to enable inclusive access to learning.
• Assist with the preparation of learning resources and support additional activities such as homework clubs or intervention sessions.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff and colleagues to support effective curriculum delivery and inclusive practice.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, including supervision duties and extra-curricular activities where appropriate.

The Ideal Candidate

• Holds a relevant Level 2 qualification in supporting teaching and learning or equivalent.
• Holds Level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and mathematics.
• Demonstrates effective questioning, observation and assessment skills to support student learning.
• Understands the role of a teaching assistant in supporting and supervising students within structured learning activities.
• Communicates clearly and works effectively with students and colleagues.
• Listens and responds sensitively to the needs of students.
• Organises work effectively and follows direction from teaching staff while contributing positively to the learning environment.
• Understands positive behaviour management approaches that support a productive classroom.
• Shows a caring and supportive approach, with awareness of the needs of students with SEND.
• Works effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates reliability and professionalism.
• Adapts to changing situations and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Annual Leave: Generous holiday entitlement that 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 a family celebration.
• Professional Development: Comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to attend and deliver CPD and participate in the annual Conference.
• Hybrid Working: Support for a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work when eligible.
• Perkbox: Access to a wide range of discounts and wellness resources, along with 25 Perk points per month that can be exchanged for goods and services.
• Wellbeing & Health: Free flu vaccinations and free eye tests for eligible staff.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Discount vouchers and 24/7 support available.
• Mental Health First Aid: Support available.
• Recognition and Community: Regular celebration of staff achievements and milestones across the Trust.
• Employee Referral Scheme: Available for staff who refer suitable candidates.

Applications are encouraged to apply early; the advert may be closed or interview conducted at any time.