At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and lead classes for students with special needs.
- Company: Join Aurora Rowan School, a new institution dedicated to empowering young people with autism.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like life assurance, enhanced pension, and discounts through Perkbox.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of education for children with unique needs.
- Qualifications: Must have HLTA Diploma or equivalent, plus GCSEs in English and Maths.
- Other info: Flexible hours during term time only; apply early as positions fill quickly.
The predicted salary is between 26390 - 28821 £ per year.
Job Description
HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT
Location: Tokers Green, Reading
Salary: £14.77ph – £16.13ph (actual annual salary = £26,390 – £28,821 per year) Dependant on experience and qualifications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only
Start date: As soon as possible
Aurora Rowan School
Part of the Aurora Group, Aurora Rowan School in Tokers Green, Reading, Berkshire opened in November 2024, supporting young people aged 6 -16 with a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder, moderate to Severe Learning needs and associated difficulties, who require an individualised, specialist approach.
We are a passionate team that put the opportunity to provide the best possible outcomes for our children and young people in their preparation for adult life at the centre of all we do and our decision making. At Aurora Rowan School it is our aim to raise standards by promoting a school ethos which is underpinned by core values. These values support the development of the whole child as an effective and engaged learner within a calm, caring, happy and purposeful atmosphere The support we will provide enables each of our students to engage and progress at their own level within a learning environment designed to help them achieve their full potential as they reach adulthood.
We are looking for team members who feel they can demonstrate our values.
Staff at Aurora Rowan:
- Value all the children.
- Display great patience and listen carefully to children.
- Focus on and emphasise the positive.
- Face reality and help pupils to come to terms with difficult issues as they arise
- Only disapprove of poor behaviour, never the child.
- Try to make time for one another.
- Are mutually supportive.
- Speak quietly and avoid shouting.
- Are valued by the governors and the community.
- Have a good sense of humour.
- Communicate with parents to ensure that they appreciate the school's values and to ensure that there is a common understanding.
In order for the school's purpose to be effective and for the values to be meaningful to the pupils, the staff understand that the basic needs of children are:
- To feel secure and know clearly what is expected of them.
- To be valued.
- To have a balance of activities – active/passive; quiet/talking; communicating/reflective; taught skills/exploratory work.
- To have help to develop relationships.
- To develop self-awareness and a knowledge of the world outside of themselves.
- To have creative experiences, including external exploration and internal reflection.
- To be fully involved in the process of education.
Opportunity
We are currently looking to recruit Higher Level teaching Assistants (HLTA's) to join our expanding team and work alongside the Education Team to aid the smooth running of the school.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a new venture in a school that will grow with you. You will be a part of a Brand-New School set up. It is an opportunity for you to help shape the provision and develop the school to be the best that it can be.
Job Summary
The purpose of the Higher Level Teaching Assistant is to support the Class teacher with all elements of the day to day running of the class and to teach whole classes, groups and individual lessons in consultation with the Class Teacher on a regular basis across a range of classes.
To support and deputise the teacher in their absence in all areas including:
- Pupil Welfare and Safeguarding
- Supporting Teaching and Learning
- Pupils Attainment and Progress
- Monitoring and Recording
- Supporting TA's and prompting career development
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Aurora Rowan School when required, Please see the link below for our full job description:.
Job Description – HLTA
Skills and Qualifications
Qualifications
- The Higher Level Teaching Assistant Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification or demonstrate equivalent skill level.
- GCSE pass above C (or 4 in the new GCSE system) in English and Maths
Knowledge and Experience
- Relevant knowledge and experience of pupils with SEN, SLD/ASD
- Understanding of the Safeguarding principles and Child Protection procedures
- Experience of managing a range of approaches to behaviour, including managing behaviours that challenge.
- Experience working within education
- Experience of working within a multi-cultural, inclusive setting
Skills and Behaviours
- Commitment to the role, the desire to put the child first and treat them as an individual
- Be positive and creative in meeting pupils' needs
- Work on your own as well as part of a team
- Work collaboratively with other staff and professionals with good interpersonal skills
- Good numeracy and literacy skills
- Competent ICT skills
- Be flexible, adaptable and solution focused.
- Able to work within the parameters of the physical demands of the job role.
Benefits and Additional Information
What we Offer
Be part of our successful team and also benefit from a generous package that includes:
- Life assurance
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Perkbox – offering high street discounts
- Employee assistance programme
- Car lease scheme
- Fully funded training and qualifications
- Bike to work scheme
- Free membership to our Health cash back plan – Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.
How to apply
Ready to make a difference? Apply online by completing our online application form. For more information on this position please contact Liz liz.hudson@the-aurora-group.com
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability and equal opportunities employer.
Closing Date: The role will remain open until it is filled – Please apply early as we may close the role when we have a suitable level of interest.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant employer: The Aurora Group
Contact Detail:
The Aurora Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Learning Difficulties. Understanding these challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment to providing tailored support during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in a multi-cultural and inclusive setting. Highlight any previous roles where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams or supported students from various backgrounds.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've managed challenging behaviors in the classroom. Being able to discuss specific strategies you've used will illustrate your capability to handle the demands of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasize your flexibility and adaptability. The role requires working closely with teachers and other staff, so being able to demonstrate your willingness to adjust to different situations will make you a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any relevant experience you have working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Provide specific examples of how you've supported learning and development in previous roles.
Showcase Your Values: Aurora Rowan School values patience, positivity, and supportiveness. Make sure to convey these qualities in your application. Share anecdotes that demonstrate your commitment to putting children first and fostering a caring learning environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aurora Group
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of SEN
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge and experience with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder or other learning difficulties. Highlight any relevant training or strategies you’ve used to support these students effectively.
✨Emphasize Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with teachers and other staff, illustrate your ability to work as part of a team. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues to enhance student learning.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions about managing challenging behaviours. Think of specific situations you've encountered and how you handled them, focusing on positive reinforcement and maintaining a supportive environment.