The posting
We are seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team, supporting pupils across our various pathways. Working closely with classroom teachers, you will support teaching and learning across a range of subjects, helping to deliver engaging and inclusive lessons tailored to meet the needs of all learners.
You will work with pupils with a variety of abilities and needs, including those with SEMH and SEN, providing targeted support to help them access learning and make progress. Adaptability, initiative, and the ability to build positive relationships are key to success in this role. We are seeking applications from candidates with both Primary and Secondary experience
This is a varied role that may involve supporting individuals, small groups or whole classes across different classes, groups and subject areas.
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 protected] or calling 0118 929 6020.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare and deliver appropriately challenging learning activities for individuals, small groups or whole classes under the direction of a named member of teaching staff.
- Produce and adapt schemes of work, lesson plans and learning resources to meet individual student needs.
- Support the delivery of literacy, numeracy and basic skills programmes.
- Contribute to the identification and implementation of interventions and out-of-school learning activities that consolidate and extend classroom learning.
- Use ICT effectively to support learning and develop students’ competence, independence and safe use of technology.
- Monitor, assess, record and report students’ attainment and progress in collaboration with teaching colleagues.
- Provide constructive and formative feedback to support students’ learning and development.
- Promote positive behaviour, engagement and independence, contributing to a calm, purposeful and safe learning environment.
- Develop and review provision plans and contribute to annual reviews where appropriate.
- Build positive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external professionals to support achievement, wellbeing and inclusion.
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. Relevant training in learning strategies and specialist skills or training within a curriculum or learning area are also required.
You will also be able to:
- Plan, organise and lead learning activities under the direction of a teacher.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum and child development.
- Use questioning and observation effectively to support learning and progress.
- Foster a calm and purposeful learning environment and manage behaviour positively.
- Use ICT effectively to support learning and student engagement.
- Communicate constructively with students, colleagues and other professionals.
- Work effectively both collaboratively and independently.
- Remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.
- Show a caring, positive and sensitive approach when working with children and young people.
- Use initiative and sound judgement within the scope of the role
About Horizons Alternative Provision Academy
Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is an Alternative Education provision for young people ranging from 5-16 years old. We support learners who have been permanently excluded from mainstream settings and provide preventative support to those who are at risk of permanent exclusion. Additionally, we support those that unintentionally exclude themselves from education and children who cannot access school for medical reasons. We are a multi-site organisation which includes our Primary provisions, based at Great Hollands Primary School in Bracknell and College Road in Reading, and Secondary provision, based at Cranbury Road in Reading. We have Outreach teams that provide specialist support within schools, a tutoring service, offer vocational courses in Hair & Beauty and Multi-skills and run a Hospital Teaching Service based at Royal Berkshire Hospital who provide education to children on short and long term stays. Horizons Alternative Provision Academy is a fast paced, energetic setting where we pride ourselves on a strong team ethic, always working together to create a nurturing and supportive setting for our student's alternative pathway to success.
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.
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 [email protected] for an informal discussion.
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
