At a Glance
- Tasks: Support positive student behaviour and maintain a calm learning environment.
- Company: Join River Academy, a rapidly growing school with a strong focus on student success.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community that values recognition and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 Behaviour Support Worker to support positive student conduct and contribute to a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment. This is an important pastoral and behaviour support role. The successful candidate will help operate key behaviour systems across the school, including On Patrol duties, daily after‑school detention, Supported Study and Inclusion areas. They will work closely with pastoral colleagues, teaching colleagues and senior leaders to support students throughout the school day.
The role will suit someone who is confident, calm, fair and consistent, with the ability to build positive relationships with young people while maintaining high expectations.
Key Responsibilities- Support school behaviour systems, including break, lunch and allocated On Patrol duties.
- Supervise students in Supported Study, Inclusion and other behaviour support areas.
- Support the Pastoral Team in responding to behaviour issues across all year groups.
- Register and accurately record student attendance in supervised areas.
- Maintain orderly entry to and exit from supervised spaces.
- Create and maintain a calm, safe and purposeful environment conducive to learning.
- Guide students on work set by teaching colleagues and ensure access to appropriate resources.
- Analyse behaviour data using school systems and produce reports for relevant leaders, teaching and pastoral colleagues.
- Comply fully with school policies, safeguarding procedures, risk assessments and health and safety requirements.
The successful candidate will have experience of working with young people in a relevant setting, such as education, youth work, health or social services. They will understand the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries. They will be able to establish authority and mutual respect with students, apply behaviour expectations consistently, and respond to challenging situations with resilience and emotional robustness. Strong communication, organisation and record‑keeping skills are essential. A willingness to analyse behaviour data and contribute to improvement activity is also important. The ability or willingness to drive the school minibus is desirable.
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. Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.
- 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.
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.
Behaviour Support Worker in Reading employer: River Academy
River Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises a calm and purposeful learning environment, fostering strong relationships between staff and students. With a commitment to professional development through the Maiden Erlegh Institute and generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme and additional leave for personal events, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. The school's focus on high expectations and community recognition creates a rewarding atmosphere for those dedicated to making a positive impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour Support Worker in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or behaviour support. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to behaviour management and student support. We recommend role-playing with a friend to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Bring examples of how you've successfully managed behaviour or supported students in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute to a calm and purposeful learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at River Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour Support Worker in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a calm and purposeful learning environment!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Share examples from your past roles that highlight your ability to manage behaviour and build positive relationships with students. We love seeing real-life experiences that relate to the Behaviour Support Worker role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to align your skills and experiences with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for at River Academy.
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 River Academy
✨Know the River Way
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values, particularly the River Way. Understand how calm, purposeful learning environments are maintained and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this atmosphere.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences working with young people. Highlight situations where you've successfully managed behaviour or built positive relationships, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Consistency and Fairness
During the interview, emphasise your ability to apply behaviour expectations consistently. Share strategies you've used in the past to maintain authority while being fair and approachable, as this aligns with the school's high expectations.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Data Analysis
Since analysing behaviour data is part of the role, brush up on any relevant experience you have with data analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions or improve student conduct in previous roles.
