Higher Level Teaching Assistant

We are looking for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support students to access learning, develop confidence and independence, and make progress in line with their individual needs and targets. Working under the direction of a named teacher, you will take responsibility for agreed learning activities and provide focused support to individuals and small groups across different classes, subjects and learning environments.

The role combines direct support for teaching and learning with targeted interventions, assessment support, positive behaviour management and inclusive practice. You will work closely with teachers, SEND colleagues and other professionals to identify barriers to learning, implement agreed support strategies and help create a safe, purposeful and inclusive learning environment.

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 [email removed] or calling [phone removed].

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support students to access the curriculum and make progress by working with individuals and small groups, clarifying instructions, checking understanding, encouraging participation and developing confidence and independence.
• Promote and safeguard student welfare by following Trust safeguarding procedures, reporting concerns appropriately and complying with child protection, health and safety, GDPR and other relevant Trust requirements.
• Promote a calm, purposeful and inclusive learning environment by modelling high expectations, reinforcing behaviour standards and routines, and encouraging respectful and cooperative relationships.
• Support students with SEND or additional learning needs through agreed strategies and interventions, including targeted individual and small-group support directed by the SENCO or SEND Manager.
• Monitor student engagement, understanding and progress, record observations where directed and provide constructive feedback to teachers and SEND colleagues to inform teaching approaches and support strategies.
• Support agreed learning activities and educational programmes under the direction of teachers, including activities that develop reading, writing, spelling, listening and wider learning.
• Support examinations and assessments as a reader, scribe or prompt where directed, and prepare and organise learning resources and materials required for lessons and learning activities.
• Work constructively with teachers, SEND colleagues, students, parents, carers and external professionals to support coordinated provision and positive outcomes for students.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school, professional development and collaborative practice across Maiden Erlegh Trust where required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

You will have Higher Level Teaching Assistant standards or an equivalent qualification or experience, together with a Level 2 qualification or equivalent in English and mathematics.

You will bring knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum, child development and learning processes, alongside the ability to plan, organise and lead learning activities for individuals and small groups, particularly students with learning needs, under the direction of a named teacher.

You will be able to:

• Use questioning and observation effectively to support student learning and progress and contribute to assessment.
• Understand the standards of work expected from students and the intended outcomes of learning activities.
• Foster a calm and purposeful learning environment and manage behaviour positively.
• Use ICT effectively to support learning activities and student engagement.
• Communicate effectively and work constructively with students, colleagues and other professionals.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and independently where required.
• Remain calm under pressure, adapt to changing situations and respond sensitively to students’ needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility.
• Use initiative and exercise sound judgement within the scope of the role.
• Commit to safeguarding, equality and ongoing professional and personal development.

Relevant training in learning strategies and specialist skills or training in a curriculum or learning area are also required. Suitability to work with children and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance are essential requirements of the role.

ABOUT THE MAIDEN ERLEGH SCHOOL

Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students from 11-18 years old, situated in Lower Earley, near Reading. Our students are a delight to work with and relationships between students and staff are extremely positive and constructive. Students are keen to learn, curious, respectful, polite and fun. They rise to challenges positively and enthusiastically and have high expectations of themselves. This is why they achieve such impressive academic and personal successes, and our results continue to improve year on year - this year placing us in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8. We also have a thriving 6th form and many of our students stay on to study here.

Our staff are dedicated, talented professionals who go the extra mile for the students because they are committed to helping them realise their dreams, achieve the greatest possible success, overcome any personal challenges. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and focused on delivering varied and stimulating lessons. Support staff work tirelessly to ensure the school can provide the best education possible. We have an excellent professional development offering for all of our staff which helps ensure they are satisfied in their work. We seek to develop and motivate our colleagues at every opportunity, and we offer a very warm welcome to all our new team members when they join us.

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 850 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 unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

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

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust here on our website.

BENEFITS

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

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 gene