The posting
We are looking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join Oak Tree School. This is an important role supporting students to access learning, make sustained progress and develop their independence and wellbeing.
Working under the direction of teaching colleagues, you will plan, prepare and deliver learning activities for individuals, small groups and whole classes. You will support and develop students’ learning across different classes and subject areas, adapting resources and approaches to meet individual needs.
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.
- Monitor, assess, record and report students’ attainment and progress, providing constructive feedback to support improved outcomes.
- Support literacy, numeracy and basic skills programmes and use ICT effectively to promote learning, engagement and independence.
- Promote positive behaviour and engagement, contributing to a calm, purposeful and safe learning environment.
- Develop, implement and review provision plans and contribute to annual reviews where appropriate.
- Work constructively with parents, carers, colleagues, external agencies and other professionals to support student progress, 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. You will have an understanding of the National Curriculum, child development and learning processes, and the ability to plan, organise and lead learning activities that support students with learning needs.
You will also be able to:
- Use questioning and observation effectively to support learning and progress.
- Use ICT confidently to support learning activities and student engagement.
- Foster a calm and purposeful learning environment and manage behaviour positively.
- Communicate effectively with students, colleagues and professionals.
- Work collaboratively while also using initiative and sound judgement within the scope of the role.
- Remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.
- Demonstrate a caring, positive and sensitive approach when working with children and young people.
About Oak Tree School
Oak Tree School is a calm, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where relationships come first and every young person is supported to thrive on their own terms. Our learners, aged 5-19, benefit from a personalised curriculum that blends academic learning with highly specialised therapeutic and developmental support. As a school created in September 2023 to meet the growing need for specialist places across the local community, we pride ourselves on offering a nurturing setting where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to flourish.
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 5000 students across nine 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 by clicking here to visit 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.
