Teaching Assistant

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning for individual students and small groups. This role will involve working closely with teachers to help students access the curriculum, engage in learning, build confidence and develop greater independence. The successful candidates will support students with a range of learning, SEND and behavioural needs, using agreed strategies and resources to enable meaningful participation and progress. 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 will include: - Supporting students during lessons. - Clarifying instructions and supporting understanding. - Encouraging independent learning. - Helping students use learning resources, equipment and materials appropriately. - Checking student understanding during lessons. - Providing timely support where required. - Observing student engagement and sharing feedback with teachers. - Assisting with monitoring student learning. - Supporting positive behaviour routines. - Contributing to a safe, purposeful and inclusive classroom environment The ideal candidates will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, a caring and positive approach to working with students, and the ability to listen carefully and respond sensitively to individual needs. They will be organised, reliable, flexible and able to work effectively as part of a team while following guidance from teaching colleagues. An awareness of students with special educational needs, positive behaviour management approaches and the role of a Teaching Assistant in supporting learning will be important. A Level 2 qualification in English and mathematics is required. An NVQ Level 2 / CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent, is desirable. Candidates must be committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and will be expected to follow local safeguarding policies and procedures. All posts are subject to satisfactory employment checks, references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. 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. Please visit the school website here. 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.