Job Details
Job Reference #: EDV/2026/RA/36177
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract Type: Permanent, Part‑Time
Salary: £23,265.00 Annually (Actual), Grade 5 (SCP 12‑17) Term Time only plus 5 INSET days working 35 hours per week plus a SEN allowance. FTE £28,598
Hours per Week: 35
Closing Date: Midnight, Mon 15th Jun, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 2
Interview Date(s): week commencing 22nd June 2026
About This Role
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 two Teaching Assistants to support pupils who access the Moderate Learning Difficulty (MLD) Resource Base. This is an important role for someone who is committed to helping pupils access learning, develop independence and make strong progress within a supportive and inclusive environment.
The successful candidates will work with individual pupils and small groups, helping to clarify learning, prepare resources and support the delivery of educational programmes and interventions. The role will also involve supporting pupils’ social skills, life skills and wider development, while contributing to a calm, safe and positive learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Support individual pupils and small groups within the MLD Resource Base to access learning and agreed activities.
- Clarify and explain instructions, support pupils to use equipment and materials, and motivate them to complete work.
- Liaise with class teachers to discuss learning tasks, pupil progress and areas of concern.
- Help deliver educational programmes, including social skills groups, life skills and MLD‑related interventions.
- Monitor, assess, record and report on pupils’ achievements and development.
- Contribute to pupil profiles, risk assessments and behaviour support plans.
- Promote pupils’ welfare, personal care, safety, independence and inclusion.
- Support positive behaviour by reinforcing expected standards and acting as a role model.
- Follow school and Trust policies, including safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who has a caring, positive and sensitive approach to supporting pupils with individual needs. You will be able to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues, communicate clearly, and work constructively as part of a team.
Qualifications and Experience:
- NVQ Level 2, CACHE Level 2 Certificate or equivalent.
- Level 2 or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths.
- Experience of working with children with special educational needs (desirable).
The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, flexible in responding to changing needs and committed to supporting pupils’ access to learning, inclusion and development.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, auto‑enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual Leave: Generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
- ME Day: 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: Comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to attend and deliver CPD, and participation in the annual Conference.
- Hybrid Working: Flexible approach to working arrangements where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Wide range of discounts and wellness resources; receive 25 Perk points each month for exchange.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations for all staff, free eye tests for eligible staff.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Discount vouchers, 24/7 support and more.
- Mental Health First Aid support.
Equal Opportunities
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.
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