Northcroft School
Permanent - Full-time -Term time plus 10 inset days
About Northcroft School
Northcroft School is a small, outstanding independent school in West Berkshire, supporting up to 34 students with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. We welcome students from Year 7 to Year 11 and place children at the heart of everything we do.
Our pupils may have learning difficulties, social and emotional needs and autism (ASD). Many have a history of non-attendance and need a consistent, relational approach to help them re-engage with education. With a child-centred approach and a commitment to trauma-informed practice, we create opportunities for pupils to rediscover their love of learning.
As part of Amegreen Education, we focus on personalised education pathways that support both academic progress and emotional development. Our broad and enriching curriculum is designed to build confidence, inspire curiosity and help every child achieve their potential.
The role
Our Teaching Assistants support our vulnerable students throughout the school day. This could be on a one-to-one basis or with small groups of students. You will provide calm, consistent support that helps students engage with learning, build confidence, and make progress across core subjects and vocational interests.
The role requires rapport-building, active listening, and appropriate, assertive challenge. You will need flexibility, creativity, and therapeutic understanding to meet the student’s needs and the targets set out in their EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). You will always hold the health, safety, and welfare of pupils in the highest regard.
Key responsibilities
- Deliver consistent support to help the students focus, engage, and complete tasks
- Support students to take part in assessment and support tools, including GL Assessment and Accelerated Reader
- Build positive relationships through clear boundaries, encouragement, and active listening
- Share observations and provide feedback on progress to parents and school staff where appropriate
- Work alongside therapists to implement agreed strategies and link support to EHCP outcomes
- Help plan and prepare project work using a range of resources, including appropriate community learning opportunities such as libraries, museums, and other relevant venues
- Follow safeguarding procedures and health and safety expectations at all times
You will ideally have
- At least 2 years’ experience in a similar setting or support role, such as SEN, SEMH, behavioural support, or residential childcare
- High energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to engaging with young people
- Strong communication skills, emotional resilience, and a consistent, professional approach
- The physical ability to meet the demands of the role, including the potential need for physical interventions in line with behaviour support plans
- A willingness to complete training in safe physical intervention techniques, if required
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 that allows people to be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive environment. We are actively building diverse teams and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.
Safeguarding
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.