HLTA (Level 3)

We are looking for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Level 3) to complement the work of teachers by taking responsibility for developing and delivering agreed learning activities under an appropriate system of supervision. The role will involve a variety of elements but include a small number of Outreach cases. Here, the successful candidate will work with pupils in their mainstream settings to provide interventions to support improved behaviour for learning.

The HLTA will support teachers but also deliver learning/intervention activities for individuals and groups. Undertake specified work, including delivering lessons to small groups or whole classes on a regular basis within an agreed system of supervision and pre-determined framework. The role will play a significant part in the educational, personal and social development of pupils, advancing learning under the direction and guidance of relevant colleagues (e.g. the Principal, SENCO and class teachers).

You will support students in accessing the curriculum, engaging with their learning and achieving their full potential by employing relevant strategies and techniques developed as a result of significant experience, specialist knowledge, skill and expertise. You will deliver measurable impact on student attainment as well as social and emotional well-being, the benefits of which are likely to extend beyond the individual student or class in order to have a wider positive impact.

The post would be suited to an experienced TA looking for the next step in their career or a current HLTA looking for a change in role or setting.

About you:

• Have an understanding of classroom roles and responsibilities and how a teaching assistant supports students in their learning.
• Be able to engage students and manage behaviour on a one to one or small group basis.
• Be committed to undertake relevant qualifications, e.g. relevant NVQ Level 2/3 in supporting teaching and learning or equivalent, first aid qualification, to ensure ongoing professional development.
• Have strong interpersonal skills, in particular with the ability to demonstrate empathy and active listening.
• Have good planning and organisational skills, specifically with regard to learning activities and support materials.
• Be someone with a keen interest in working with children and commitment to inclusion and acceptance of all.

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.

About The Sky Academy:

The Sky Academy is a special school for young people in years 5 - 11 who have an EHCP to support their SEMH and SCL needs. Based in Taunton, our catchment of young people comes from those who live within a 75-minute drive across Somerset. At our core is a belief that every young person deserves the right to an educative experience that prepares them for adulthood and opens doors at Post 16. We do this by providing a targeted core curriculum that focuses in equal parts on literacy, numeracy, PSHCE, and PE in addition to a wider curriculum of Art, ICT, careers and life skills.

We aim to provide all our students with opportunities for widening participation and strengthening relationships to ensure high expectations in their behaviour and attitudes for personal development and achievements in their academic and vocational learning. We aim to empower all our staffing team in their roles by investing in high quality CPD to enable them to carry out their roles faithfully and meet the needs of both the school community and Trust wide commitment of Equity through education.

As our school grows, we are looking to expand our Upper School Curriculum (Key Stage 3 and 4) offer to cover a greater range of subjects. We would welcome applications from those with experience teaching Humanities, Functional Skills or Art and Design.

The academy welcomes visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy directly to arrange a suitable appointment.

Why work at CLF?

As a Level 1 Teaching Assistant within Lansdown Park Academy, you’ll be able to build upon your existing skillset within a supportive environment, with professional development, training, and career progression opportunities available.

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 35 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion. We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we can offer you:

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
• Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form. Skilled Worker visas cannot be sponsored through this role, as it does not meet the requirements set out by government. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

The Cabot Learning Federation are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role has significant responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice within the academy. This role involves working with children on a daily basis and is therefore in regulated activity. The successful applicant will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process including references from current and previous employers, health, right to work in the UK and a child disqualification check. The checks will also include an enhanced DBS check and a further check against the appropriate barred list.