Key Skills

Job Description

Due to the continued growth of River Academy, we are seeking to appoint an Administrative Support Assistant - SEN and Pastoral to provide efficient, effective and confidential administrative support to our Special Educational Needs and Pastoral teams. This is an important role that helps ensure our students, families and staff receive the support they need through well-organised systems, accurate record keeping and effective communication The successful candidate will support the administration of a wide range of SEN, Inclusion and Pastoral processes, including Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) applications, annual reviews, examination access arrangements, interventions, reintegration meetings and student welfare procedures. You will work closely with the SENCO, Inclusion Team, Pastoral Team and wider school staff to ensure information is managed efficiently and confidentially. You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to a calm, purposeful and inclusive learning environment where students are supported to achieve their full potential. River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm, and systems are designed to reduce workload so staff can focus on supporting students effectively. Students are expected to demonstrate high standards of behaviour, attendance and engagement, supported by clear routines and expectations through the River Way. As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you require support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact the People Team via [email protected] or telephone 0118 929 6020. Key Responsibilities Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people and follow all Trust safeguarding procedures. Maintain accurate SEN and Pastoral records ensuring compliance with data protection requirements. Support the SENCO with administration relating to EHCP applications, annual reviews and examination access arrangements. Coordinate and distribute annual review paperwork to teachers, parents and external agencies. Schedule annual review meetings and support the administration of SEN processes. Support the Pastoral Team with suspension, reintegration and student welfare administration. Take minutes at annual reviews, reintegration meetings and other meetings as required. Maintain records on systems including Bromcom, Provision Map and CPOMS and produce reports as required. Support interventions, meetings and inclusion activities through effective administration and communication. Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents, carers and external agencies. Raise requisitions and support general administration within the Inclusion and Pastoral teams. Contribute to the wider life and efficient running of the school and undertake duties reasonably within the scope of the role. Further details of responsibilities and requirements can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification. The Ideal Candidate Has experience providing administrative support within a busy environment Has strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. Can communicate clearly and professionally with students, parents, colleagues and external agencies. Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and accuracy when managing records and documentation. Has experience using Microsoft Office applications and administrative systems. Is able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Has a proactive, flexible and positive approach to work. Understands the importance of safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and young people. Is committed to the values, ethos and expectations of Maiden Erlegh Trust About The School River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties. 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 750 staff and 4,500 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. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise while playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people. Benefit 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. If you are organised, compassionate and committed to improving outcomes for young people through strong attendance practice, we welcome your application. 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 and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other relevant pre-employment checks.

Core Responsibilities

Provide confidential administrative support to the SEN, Inclusion and Pastoral teams, including coordinating EHCP applications, annual reviews, examination access arrangements, meetings and student welfare processes. Maintain accurate records and reports, communicate with families, staff and external agencies, and support interventions and general team administration.

Requirements

The ideal candidate has administrative experience in a busy environment, strong organisational and communication skills, and excellent attention to detail. They should be confident using Microsoft Office and administrative systems, handle sensitive information appropriately, work independently and collaboratively, and understand safeguarding responsibilities.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme
• Annual Leave
• Additional Personal Leave
• Professional Development
• Flexible Working Arrangements for Eligible Roles
• Employee Discounts
• Wellbeing Resources
• Free Flu Vaccinations
• Free Eye Tests
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aid Support
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Referral Scheme