Lifeskills Teaching Assistant (Reading)

Lifeskills Teaching Assistant (Reading)

Full-Time 31650 - 33483 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
New Meaning Training

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people in developing essential life skills in a SEND-focused environment.
  • Company: Join New Meaning Training, a supportive and values-led organisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, discounts, and health support.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with training opportunities and a focus on staff wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience with young people, strong communication, and teamwork skills required.

The predicted salary is between 31650 - 33483 £ per year.

  • Centre: NMT Berkshire (Reading)
  • Employer: New Meaning Training
  • Type: Full Time, Permanent, All‑year‑round
  • Schedule: Monday to Friday 08:30‑16:30 Job
  • Overview

We are looking for an Achieve Lifeskills Teaching Assistant to join our Berkshire team.

This curriculum‑focused role supports learners with EHCPs in a supportive, SEND‑led environment.

You will help young people aged 16‑24 develop practical, emotional and everyday living skills such as managing money, maintaining health, planning journeys and preparing for employment.

Responsibilities

  • Support tutors in delivering structured Achieve Lifeskills sessions across a range of topics.
  • Reinforce learning by working 1:1 and in small groups to support progress.
  • Help learners apply skills in practical contexts such as cooking, budgeting and travel training.
  • Adapt activities and resources to meet individual learning needs and EHCP outcomes.
  • Encourage participation, independence and engagement during sessions.
  • Support behaviour, emotional regulation and group dynamics.
  • Assist with tracking learner progress, engagement and next steps.
  • Contribute to a safe, structured and purposeful learning environment aligned with NMT expectations.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Experience working with young people, ideally those with SEND or EHCPs.
  • Confidence supporting learning within a structured session or curriculum.
  • Ability to balance consistency with flexibility in a learner‑led environment.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • A proactive, encouraging approach to supporting progress.
  • Basic IT skills (Microsoft 365).
  • Full UK driving licence (desirable, not essential).
  • Employment Checks
  • This role involves regulated activity and is subject to an Enhanced DBS check (including a Children’s Barred List check) and satisfactory professional references.
  • Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA): This role is exempt from the ROA 1974.

Applicants must disclose all convictions and cautions that are not ‘protected’ under the Exceptions Order 1975 (as amended 2013 and 2020).

Refer to the DBS filtering guide for offences that do not need to be disclosed.

Benefits

  • 19–24 days annual leave depending on length of service, plus bank holidays and up to 10 additional “gifted” days off per year.
  • Auto enrolment into The People’s Pension with a 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution.
  • Blue Light Card access to national discounts.
  • Work‑related benefits including a Cycle to Work scheme, Electric Vehicle scheme via Octopus Energy and green travel initiatives.
  • Health and wellbeing supports such as annual flu vaccination voucher and birthday gift voucher.
  • Supportive, values‑led workplace with focus on staff wellbeing, development and collaboration.
  • Training and CPD opportunities as part of your role.
  • Generous support for long‑service milestones and gift rewards.
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New Meaning Training

Contact Details:

New Meaning Training Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lifeskills Teaching Assistant (Reading)

Connect with Local Educational Institutions

Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.

Leverage Professional Education Networks

Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like New Meaning Training just waiting for the right candidate!

Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning

In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!

Apply Through Our Website

Don't forget to check out our careers page at New Meaning Training. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

We think you need these skills to ace Lifeskills Teaching Assistant (Reading)

Experience with young people
Understanding of SEND and EHCPs
Ability to support structured learning sessions
Adaptability in teaching methods
Strong communication skills
Teamwork skills
Proactive approach to supporting progress

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Lifeskills Teaching Assistant (Reading) role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!

Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!

Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At New Meaning Training, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!

Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!

How to prepare for a job interview at New Meaning Training

Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning

When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at New Meaning Training, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!

Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies

Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.

Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners

At New Meaning Training, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.

Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate

Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.