Full Time Teaching Assistant - SEN (Permanent) in Reading

Teaching Assistant

Location: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and are putting wellbeing first. At Groveside School, we believe every young person deserves the chance to grow, learn, and achieve no matter their challenges. As part of our continued growth, we are looking for caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our supportive team in Reading, Berkshire.

This is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to help pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs build confidence, develop skills, and discover their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Whether you’re taking your first step into education or looking to build on existing experience, we will give you the training, guidance, and support you need to make a real difference.

As a Teaching Assistant at Groveside, you’ll play a key part in helping pupils engage with learning, manage emotions, and celebrate achievements big and small:

• Provide personalised support: Deliver 1:1 assistance and small group sessions to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build trust and connection: Create strong, supportive relationships that help pupils feel valued and understood.
• Encourage learning and growth: Help deliver creative, engaging lessons that meet individual learning goals.
• Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing: Support pupils in developing confidence, independence, and resilience.
• Get involved beyond the classroom: Assist with outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and community visits.
• Collaborate with professionals: Work closely with teachers, therapists, and other staff to support each child’s journey.

About the school:

Groveside School is a Brand-New Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.

To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:

• To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
• To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
• To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.

We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress.

Why Join Acorn Education?

We put pupil outcomes at the heart of everything we do, so every day you’ll know your work is making a meaningful impact. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits include:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista:
• Health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.