Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in Reading

Location: Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QF

Salary: £23,500 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: June 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

Are you passionate about helping children thrive academically, emotionally and socially? Do you believe every pupil deserves the chance to feel confident, supported and inspired in their learning? As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you’ll play a central role in shaping meaningful learning experiences across the school. This hands‑on, varied and rewarding position involves working closely with teachers, support staff and pupils to create an environment where every child can succeed. You will support learning in a range of settings—from one‑to‑one sessions and small‑group interventions to leading whole‑class activities. You’ll help plan and prepare engaging lessons, deliver targeted support, and step in to lead learning when needed. Your role is key in promoting independence, building self‑esteem, reinforcing positive behaviour and ensuring pupils have equal access to opportunities both in and beyond the classroom. As a valued member of our multi‑disciplinary team, you’ll contribute to assessments, provide meaningful feedback, help shape individual support plans and play an active part in whole‑school development. This is a role for someone who is committed, proactive and ready to make a real impact on the lives of young people every day.

What You’ll Do

• Support individual pupils, small groups or whole classes to promote learning, independence and wellbeing.
• Deliver planned learning activities and interventions, and occasionally lead lessons in the teacher’s absence.
• Help prepare, plan and resource engaging lessons and learning opportunities.
• Provide clear verbal and written feedback on pupil progress, behaviour and engagement.
• Use positive behaviour strategies to create a purposeful, supportive learning environment.
• Contribute to pupil assessments and key documents such as IEPs, risk assessments and behaviour plans.
• Promote pupils’ confidence, independence and achievements.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multi‑disciplinary team, supporting teachers and mentoring other TAs.
• Maintain accurate records in line with school and regulatory requirements.
• Safeguard pupils and uphold all school policies, including Health & Safety and Child Protection.

What We’re Looking For

• GCSEs in English, Maths and Science or equivalent required.
• Someone who is committed, proactive and passionate about helping children succeed.
• A team player who communicates well and builds strong relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• An individual who can adapt, use initiative and contribute to whole‑school development.

About Us

Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school near Reading, Berkshire, for autistic young people aged 4–16, with a capacity of 60 pupils. We provide a nurturing, structured environment tailored to each child’s needs, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth. Small classes, high staff‑to‑pupil ratios, and personalised programmes ensure every pupil can thrive and reach their full potential. Our dedicated team works closely with families to support wellbeing, independence, and the development of essential life skills. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence‑based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are proud that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista)
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support