Teaching Assistant (Reading Support Assistant)

Think you know Lift Unity City? It might surprise you.

Lift Unity City is fast becoming the local school of choice, driven by an unwavering commitment to transforming futures, breaking social stereotypes, and ensuring every student secures excellent life opportunities. We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Reading Support Teaching Assistant to join our already incredibly dedicated team. 

Could you ignite a spark for reading that turns hesitant pupils into confident, independent readers? We are looking for someone who has genuine passion for reading, that can show young people that reading is not just a daily task, but a life-changing skill that unlocks endless potential, and turns quiet struggles into proud breakthroughs

About the Role

Working with Year 7-11 students reading below age-related expectations, this role delivers targeted 1:1 and small-group interventions, guided by our Reading and Literacy Leads. By modeling expressive reading, tracking progress alongside class teachers, and sharing a genuine appreciation for books, you will help students transform reading struggles into lasting confidence. In doing so, you will directly support our mission by equipping every pupil with the essential literacy skills needed to access the wider curriculum and succeed.

Role Responsibilities

• Deliver one on one or small group targeted reading interventions for identified students, particularly those with below age-related reading levels
• Implement reading strategies prescribed by the Reading and Lexonik Leads
• Work with students across Y7-Y11 to support their progress in reading, building their confidence and passion for reading
• Support students with special literacy needs, including English language learners and those with learning abilities'
• Liaise with the Reading Lead and class teachers to ensure children are provided with support and challenge, providing feedback using the school system to inform next steps in progress
• Make effective use of reading prompts to explore pupils' understanding and comprehension of texts
• Encourage pupils to develop their independence linked to learning and reading responsibilities
• Model expressive reading, sharing a text and encouraging pupils to discuss and state opinions linked to what they have read

What we are looking for

• Experience with Targeted Reading Programs: Familiarity with structured, research-based literacy intervention frameworks, specifically Lexia, Lexonik, or Fresh Start / Read Write Inc, which are central to the school's intervention pathway 
• Core Literacy Mechanics: Strong understanding of phonics, decoding, reading fluency, comprehension strategies, and SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar)
• Ability to Model Expressive Reading: Skilsl in modeling expressive, engaging reading to build students' confidence, spark curiosity, and encourage independent reading habits
• Secondary-Age Engagement: Ability to work with older students (11–16) who may feel self-conscious or disengaged due to reading below age-related expectations
• EAL & SEND Competency: Experience supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and students with specific learning differences (e.g., dyslexia, speech and language needs)
• Minimum of GCSE Grade 4/C in English (and Maths) - advantageous to have A level (level 3) in English
• Level 2 or Level 3 TA qualification (or willingness to undertake a Level 3 TA apprenticeship)
• UK right to work, this position is not available for sponsorship

About the School

Lift Unity City is a thriving and diverse school in Middlesbrough, known for its sharp focus on student success and we are proud of our supportive community and collaborative culture. Our school vision is simple, yet powerful  'everyone has a determination to succeed, a love of learning, pride in their school and a strength of character.' Alongside excellent leadership and teaching, we will help children to go on to lead successful and happy lives. 

You must be available to interview in person for this interview. Do you have the skills to make a difference in the classroom? If so we want to hear from you. Would you like to know more about this role? Please contact alaking@liftschools.org

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.

Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you: How we support you