Teaching Assistant

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant to join Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers to support high-quality teaching and learning, helping individual students and small groups to access the curriculum, engage positively in learning and develop confidence and independence. You will respond to students’ individual learning, SEND and behavioural needs using agreed strategies and resources.

You will contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment, supporting students to participate fully in lessons and make progress in line with their individual needs and targets. You will also work collaboratively with teachers, SEND colleagues and others to identify barriers to learning and implement appropriate support strategies.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Check students’ understanding and provide timely support, including reading, scribing and the use of visual or verbal prompts where required.
• Encourage engagement, independence and pride in learning.
• Provide constructive feedback to help students develop confidence and make progress.
• Observe student engagement and understanding and share relevant feedback with teachers.
• Support positive behaviour, classroom routines and high expectations.
• Support students with SEND or additional learning needs through agreed strategies and interventions.
• Deliver targeted interventions to individuals or small groups as directed by the SENCO or SEND Manager.
• Help students develop confidence, resilience and independence.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to build positive relationships with students and colleagues. You will be able to listen carefully and respond sensitively to individual needs, while contributing effectively as part of a team.

You will also demonstrate:

• An NVQ Level 2 / CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent is desirable.
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English and mathematics.
• Effective questioning, observation and assessment skills.
• An understanding of positive behaviour management approaches.
• A caring and positive attitude towards students.
• Awareness of the needs of students with special educational needs.
• A calm, adaptable, responsible and reliable approach.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and use initiative appropriately.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge (MEC)

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is committed to ensuring students achieve their full potential and flourish in a school where expectations of both staff and students are high. We offer a rich and varied curriculum alongside an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

The school benefits from a smaller community feel, a semi-rural location in Sonning Common and strong professional development opportunities. Staff wellbeing is prioritised, supported by an active Wellbeing Group dedicated to supporting colleagues.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day - One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working - Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

If you are organised, compassionate and committed to improving outcomes for young people through strong attendance practice, we welcome your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.