Teaching Assistant

Location: Theale

Teaching Assistant (1:1 Support)

Haywards Farm School (part of Amegreen Education)
Theale, Berkshire (RG7)
Permanent | Full-time

About Haywards Farm School

Haywards Farm School is a small, outstanding independent specialist setting in West Berkshire (up to 34 pupils). We support children and young people with a range of needs, including learning difficulties, social and emotional needs and autism (ASD). Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and need consistent, relational support to re-engage with learning and routines.

The role

We are looking for an energetic, dedicated Teaching Assistant to provide consistent 1:1 support for a vulnerable student. You will help the student feel safe and settled in school, build trust, improve attendance and develop confidence in core subjects and vocational interests.

This is a practical, relationship-based role. You will use active listening, clear boundaries and a calm, therapeutic approach, adapting your support in line with the student’s EHCP outcomes and behaviour support plans. Safeguarding and pupil wellbeing are always central to this role.

Key responsibilities

* Provide consistent 1:1 support, helping the student focus, regulate and complete learning tasks

* Support engagement with assessment tools and programmes, including GL Assessment and Accelerated Reader, as part of the school assessment cycle

* Build a strong rapport with the student, offering structured support and appropriate challenge

* Share relevant observations and progress updates with staff and, where appropriate, parents

* Work alongside school therapists to implement recommended strategies linked to EHCP objectives

* Support learning beyond the classroom where appropriate, including supervised use of community resources such as libraries, museums and other curriculum-relevant venues

You will ideally have:

* At least two years’ experience in a similar role or setting (for example SEN support, behaviour support, alternative provision or residential childcare)

* Strong communication skills, emotional resilience and a consistent, professional approach

* The flexibility and creativity to adapt support to changing needs

* Physical capability for the demands of the role, including the potential need for physical interventions in line with behaviour support plans

* Willingness to complete training in safe physical intervention techniques (essential)

Working pattern and benefits

* Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm, with minimal after-hours commitments

* Friday afternoons are CPD time with no students on site, plus 10 INSET days across the year

* Therapeutic reflection and twice-daily briefings to support strong practice and consistency

* Regular offsite outdoor learning and enrichment sessions

* Hot lunch cooked on site every day

* Opportunities to collaborate across West Berkshire and with our partnership school, sharing expertise and best practice

* Life insurance (death in service) – 4x basic annual salary

* Health cash plan (Health Shield) (after probation/eligibility applies)

* Training and development – induction and mandatory training, plus CPD, therapeutic support and further qualifications

* Free holiday accommodation – company holiday home on south coast

* Discounts – Blue Light Card + local partner discounts

* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free, confidential 24/7 support helpline

* Company pension with award winning provider and enhanced employer contributions

* Company sick pay scheme available after 6 months’ service

* Electric car scheme + Cycle to Work – salary sacrifice options

* Recognition – Employee of the Month + long service awards

* Discounted driving lessons with local instructor

* Referral bonus scheme – financial incentives for successful referrals (criteria apply)

* Equality and diversity

Amegreen is committed to being an organisation where people can be their authentic selves in a safe, inclusive environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are actively building diverse teams. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Safeguarding and GDPR

Amegreen Children’s Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

All employees must complete mandatory safeguarding and GDPR training. Successful candidates will complete a thorough safeguarding onboarding process, including a full employment history review and an enhanced DBS check