At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with moderate learning difficulties in a calm and inclusive environment.
- Company: Join River Academy, a rapidly growing school focused on high standards and student welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and wellness resources.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in education.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, with a caring approach to supporting diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 23265 - 23265 £ per year.
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract Type: Permanent, Part‑Time
Salary: £23,265.00 Annually (Actual), Grade 5 (SCP 12‑17) Term Time only plus 5 INSET days working 35 hours per week plus a SEN allowance. FTE £28,598
Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: Midnight, Mon 15th Jun, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 2
Interview Date(s): week commencing 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 two Teaching Assistants to support pupils who access the Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD) Resource Base. This is an important role for someone who is committed to helping pupils access learning, develop independence and make strong progress within a supportive and inclusive environment. The successful candidates will work with individual pupils and small groups, helping to clarify learning, prepare resources and support the delivery of educational programmes and interventions. The role will also involve supporting pupils’ social skills, life skills and wider development, while contributing to a calm, safe and positive learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support individual pupils and small groups within the MLD Resource Base to access learning and agreed activities.
- Clarify and explain instructions, support pupils to use equipment and materials, and motivate them to complete work.
- Liaise with class teachers to discuss learning tasks, pupil progress and areas of concern.
- Help deliver educational programmes, including social skills groups, life skills and MLD‑related interventions.
- Monitor, assess, record and report on pupils’ achievements and development.
- Contribute to pupil profiles, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
- Promote pupils’ welfare, personal care, safety, independence and inclusion.
- Support positive behaviour by reinforcing expected standards and acting as a role model.
- Follow school and Trust policies, including safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who has a caring, positive and sensitive approach to supporting pupils with individual needs. You will be able to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues, communicate clearly, and work constructively as part of a team.
Qualifications and Experience:
- NVQ Level 2, CACHE Level 2 Certificate or equivalent.
- Level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
- Experience of working with children with special educational needs (desirable).
The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, flexible in responding to changing needs and committed to supporting pupils’ access to learning, inclusion and development.
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, 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: Comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to attend and deliver CPD, and participation in the annual Conference.
- Hybrid Working: Flexible approach to working arrangements where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Wide range of discounts and wellness resources; receive 25 Perk points each month for exchange.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations for all staff, free eye tests for eligible staff.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Discount vouchers, 24/7 support and more. Mental Health First Aid support.
Equal Opportunities
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.
Teaching Assistants (Resource Base – SEN) at River Academy in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
River Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff, particularly in the role of Teaching Assistant within the SEN Resource Base. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a comprehensive pension scheme and additional leave for personal events, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their careers. The school's calm and purposeful learning culture not only fosters student success but also ensures that staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistants (Resource Base – SEN) at River Academy in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research River Academy, its values, and its approach to education. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to supporting students with special educational needs. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role of a Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' learning or well-being. This will demonstrate your commitment to fostering a supportive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistants (Resource Base – SEN) at River Academy in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Teaching Assistant at River Academy. We want to see how you can contribute to our calm and purposeful learning environment!
Show Your Passion for SEN:Let us know why you're passionate about supporting pupils with special educational needs. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to helping these students thrive in their learning journey.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at River Academy.
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 ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on calm, purposeful learning environments and high expectations. This will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Showcase Your Experience with SEN
Be prepared to discuss any experience you have working with children with special educational needs. Share specific examples of how you've supported individual pupils or small groups, and highlight your ability to adapt your approach to meet diverse needs.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration with teachers and other staff is key in this role, think of examples that showcase your ability to work as part of a team. Discuss how you've communicated effectively with colleagues to support student learning and development.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to supporting pupils with MLD, the resources available, or professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school.
