SEND Manager & Teaching Assistant at River Academy

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About this Role

RiverAcademy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in itsresource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as theschool welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currentlyoversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continuedhigh demand for September 2026.

You willjoin a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clearroutines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Way.

RiverAcademy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments.Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm. Students are expected to demonstrategood manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academicpresentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, RiverAcademy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, andSparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.

RiverAcademy is seeking a highly organised and committed SEND Manager and TeachingAssistant to support the effective delivery of SEND provision across theschool. This is a blended role combining administrative leadership of SENDprocesses with direct student support through targeted interventions.

You willplay a central role in ensuring SEND provision is well coordinated, compliantwith statutory requirements, and responsive to the needs of students. Alongsidethis, you will work directly with students to support their learning,independence and wellbeing.

RiverAcademy is a growing school within Maiden Erlegh Trust, designed to provide anexceptional learning environment with modern facilities and a strong focus oninclusion and student success. As the school expands, there is a clearopportunity for this role to develop into a full-time SEND Manager position.

KeyResponsibilities

• Lead the administration and coordination of SEND provision, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant processes
• Maintain confidential, up-to-date SEND records and systems to support effective provision and safeguarding
• Coordinate statutory processes including annual reviews, referrals and EHCP administration
• Act as a key point of contact for SEND queries, liaising with staff, families and external agencies
• Oversee and track interventions using provision mapping systems, ensuring impact is monitored and recorded
• Deliver targeted interventions for students with SEND, supporting progress, independence and resilience
• Support teaching and learning through small group and 1:1 work, clarifying instructions and promoting engagement
• Assist with examination access arrangements, including acting as a reader, scribe or prompt where required
• Coordinate external agency involvement, including educational psychologists and specialist services
• Support the SENCO and wider team in maintaining high quality, inclusive practice across the school

TheIdeal Candidate

• Experience or relevant qualifications in SEND, education or administration
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple processes and deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders
• Knowledge of SEND processes, inclusive practice and student support strategies
• Ability to maintain accurate, confidential records and manage sensitive information
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A calm, resilient and caring manner, with a commitment to supporting student wellbeing and inclusion

Aboutthe School

RiverAcademy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for schoolplaces in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includesspecialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall,activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio.Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.

Theschool has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academicexcellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will servestudents of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resourcebase for students with moderate learning difficulties.

Theschool also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through itsafter-school Electives programme, available to all students.

Tolearn more about River Academy, please visit the school website: www.river-academy.co.uk

AboutMaiden Erlegh Trust

MaidenErlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire andOxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for everychild and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,00 students across nineschools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, weare proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We AimHigh, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus onhigh-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, andcontinuous improvement.

Throughthe Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professionallearning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadershipopportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference-a day that unites our wholeteam in sharing best practice and learning.

Joiningour Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and valuesexpertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomesof young people.

You canlearn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust byclicking here to visit our website.

Benefits

Further information about working at Maiden ErleghTrust can be found on our website here.Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, andcolleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemesdesigned to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

PensionScheme: Generousemployer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the TeachersPension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average EarningSchemes.

AnnualLeave: Weoffer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

ME Day: Colleagues may request oneadditional day's leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as achild's sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

ProfessionalDevelopment: Weoffer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the MaidenErlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD.Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops,networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunitiesusing Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional developmentnetworks.

HybridWorking: Foreligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements,balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

Perkbox: Colleagues have access toPerkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources andreceive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods andservices.

Wellbeingand Health: Freeflu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided tothose who are eligible.

EmployeeAssistance Programme: Incorporatingdiscount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

MentalHealth First Aid support.

Recognitionand Community: Weregularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across ourschools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

EmployeeReferral Scheme.

Workingfor our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting theeducation and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you canthrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trustand its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org foran informal discussion.

Applicantsare encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert andinterview at any time.

MaidenErlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed tosafeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidatewill be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.