Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Location: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: January 2026

Eligibility: UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

Work arrangement: 4-Day Working Week trial – you work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while receiving full-time pay

At Groveside School, we believe every young person deserves the chance to grow, learn, and achieve—no matter their challenges. As part of our continued growth, we’re looking for caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our supportive team in Reading, Berkshire. This role supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to build confidence, develop skills, and discover their full potential in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

• Provide personalised support – deliver 1:1 assistance and small group sessions to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build trust and connection – create strong, supportive relationships that help pupils feel valued and understood.
• Encourage learning and growth – help deliver creative, engaging lessons that meet individual learning goals.
• Promote positive behaviour and wellbeing – support pupils in developing confidence, independence, and resilience.
• Get involved beyond the classroom – assist with outdoor learning, enrichment activities, and community visits.
• Collaborate with professionals – work closely with teachers, therapists, and other staff to support each child’s journey.

• Passionate about helping young people with additional needs flourish.
• Compassionate, calm, and resilient in challenging situations.
• Comfortable working in 1:1 support roles as well as group settings.
• Adaptable and ready to support pupils both indoors and outdoors.
• A strong team player who values communication, collaboration, and mutual support.
• Qualified with GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above) – essential for this role.

Groveside School is a brand‑new Special Educational Needs School for pupils 7‑16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. The school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.

Opportunities:

• Work in a school that champions achievement for all pupils.
• Engage with fantastic pupils in a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• Begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
• Collaborate within a supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of daily practice.
• Develop your career.
• Commit to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexibility through the Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, with a wide range of health, wellbeing, insurance benefits, discount options, Cycle to Work schemes, Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Critical illness cover, and Family Growth Support (inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support).

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

* You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4

DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process.

All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.