Cover Supervisor

ABOUT THIS ROLE The Cover Supervisor is responsible for maintaining continuity of teaching and learning during teacher absence through structured, well-managed classroom supervision. The role enables students to access and engage with work set by teaching colleagues while maintaining a calm, predictable and supportive learning environment. Working within a Trust school, with occasional cross-Trust support in accordance with operational requirements, you will support students with differing needs, maintain behaviour expectations and contribute to student engagement, wellbeing and safety. The role also contributes to the effective day-to-day operation of the school through supervision, targeted student support and other allocated responsibilities. As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure continuity of learning during teacher absence by supervising classes, communicating work set by teaching colleagues clearly and supporting students to access, participate in and remain engaged with learning. Adapt communication and support to meet differing student needs, including supporting students with additional or SEMH needs and re-engaging those who may struggle to focus or access learning. Maintain a safe, calm and purposeful classroom environment by applying school behaviour systems consistently and using relational, de-escalation, positive, restorative and trauma-informed approaches where appropriate. Support students to regulate their behaviour and emotions, promote respectful interactions and positive choices, and respond appropriately to signs of distress or dysregulation. Record and communicate relevant information about student engagement, progress, behaviour, wellbeing and attendance, reporting concerns through appropriate school procedures. Build positive professional relationships with students and work collaboratively with colleagues, leaders, parents and carers and external partners to support the effective operation of the school and cover supervision service. Support inclusion or behaviour teams during unallocated lessons and contribute to the supervision and safety of students during duties, after-school activities, off-site activities and other allocated periods across the school day. Undertake exam invigilation when required, maintaining compliance with the rules and procedures of external examination boards and internal regulations. Ensure students have appropriate resources for work set, collect and return completed work and provide relevant feedback to teaching colleagues on engagement, progress and barriers to learning. Manage and monitor the departmental budget effectively and comply with safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessment, behaviour and data protection requirements while maintaining professional conduct and confidentiality. Further details of responsibilities and requirements can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent. An understanding of how students with SEMH needs learn, how learning activities are delivered in a classroom environment and the ability to adapt support to meet emotional and behavioural needs and maintain engagement with learning. Knowledge of health and safety in relation to buildings maintenance. Good communication and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and trusting relationships with students and communicate expectations clearly and appropriately to young people. Excellent time management and effective organisational skills, with the ability to respond flexibly to changing situations. A resilient, patient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain a firm but friendly approach when working with young people. A positive attitude towards working with young people, including those with additional needs, together with self-confidence, a strong sense of responsibility and a good sense of humour. The ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and a flexible approach to working, with commitment to ongoing service and personal development through self-evaluation and learning from others. A commitment to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and young people, including awareness of local safeguarding policies and procedures, the requirement to report concerns, procedures relating to student registration and students missing from class, and suitability to work with children. 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 800 staff and 5000 stude