Senior Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Reading

Senior Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Reading

Reading Full-Time 19300 - 24700 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students with special educational needs to thrive academically and emotionally.
  • Company: Join a small, outstanding independent school dedicated to personalised education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, health cash plan, training opportunities, and free holiday accommodation.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with complex needs and a relevant Level 3 or Level 5 qualification.
  • Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and recognition.

The predicted salary is between 19300 - 24700 £ per year.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at Haywards Farm School (part of Amegreen Education, Amegreen Childrens Services), Theale, Berkshire (RG7). Salary: £21,308 to £26,176 per year | Permanent | Full-time. Closing date: 30 January 2026. Job reference: PB TheHLTA.

About Haywards Farm School:

Haywards Farm School is a small, outstanding independent school in West Berkshire, supporting up to 34 students with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. Our pupils may have learning difficulties, social and emotional needs, and autism (ASD). Many have a history of non-attendance and need a consistent, relational approach to help them re-engage with education. As part of Amegreen Education, we focus on personalised education pathways that support both academic progress and emotional development, helping pupils build confidence, routines, and readiness to learn.

The role:

We are looking for an energetic, dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support students to thrive both academically and emotionally. You will work closely with teachers and the wider team, step in to lead learning when needed, and support strong practice across the TA team.

Key responsibilities:

  • Support pupils in class to improve engagement, behaviour, and progress.
  • Deliver learning activities and interventions, in line with teacher planning.
  • Lead whole-class learning when required.
  • Run a half-termly supervision group to support the wider TA team.
  • Follow safeguarding procedures, school policies, and the staff code of conduct.

Essential requirements:

  • Proven experience supporting children or young people with complex needs, including SEND and social and emotional needs.
  • A relevant qualification at Level 3 or Level 5 (essential).
  • Confidence leading learning, supporting engagement and behaviour, and working calmly under pressure.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with pupils and colleagues.

Working pattern, support and benefits:

  • Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm, with minimal after-hours commitments.
  • Friday afternoons are CPD time with no students on site, plus 10 INSET days across the year.
  • Therapeutic reflection and twice-daily briefings to support strong practice and consistency.
  • Regular offsite outdoor learning and enrichment sessions.
  • Hot lunch cooked on site every day.
  • Opportunities to collaborate across West Berkshire and with our partnership school, sharing expertise and best practice.
  • Life insurance (death in service) 4x basic annual salary.
  • Health cash plan (Health Shield) (after probation/eligibility applies).
  • Training and development induction and mandatory training, plus CPD, therapeutic support and further qualifications.
  • Free holiday accommodation company holiday home on south coast.
  • Discounts Blue Light Card local partner discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) free, confidential 24/7 support helpline.
  • Company pension with award winning provider and enhanced employer contributions.
  • Company sick pay scheme available after 6 months service.
  • Electric car scheme.
  • Cycle to Work salary sacrifice options.
  • Recognition Employee of the Month long service awards.
  • Discounted driving lessons with local instructor.
  • Referral bonus scheme financial incentives for successful referrals (criteria apply).

Equality and diversity:

Amegreen is committed to being an organisation where people can be their authentic selves in a safe and inclusive environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are actively building diverse teams.

Safeguarding and GDPR:

Amegreen Childrens Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and references. All employees must follow safeguarding and GDPR policies and complete mandatory training. Successful candidates will complete a thorough safeguarding onboarding process, including a full employment history review and an enhanced DBS check.

Senior Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Reading employer: Amegreen Childrens Services Limited

Haywards Farm School, part of Amegreen Education, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, including regular CPD sessions and opportunities for further qualifications, employees are encouraged to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. Located in the picturesque Theale, Berkshire, the school offers unique benefits such as on-site meals, outdoor learning experiences, and a commitment to employee well-being through various support programmes.
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Contact Detail:

Amegreen Childrens Services Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Reading

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Haywards Farm School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting students with SEND. We should also think of examples from our experience that showcase our ability to engage and support diverse learners.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off our passion for education! During the interview, let’s share why we’re excited about working with students who have special educational needs. Our enthusiasm can really set us apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Amegreen family and contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Reading

Experience supporting children with complex needs
Knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Strong communication skills
Ability to build trusted relationships
Confidence in leading learning activities
Behaviour management skills
Calmness under pressure
Team collaboration
Understanding of safeguarding procedures
Familiarity with school policies
Level 3 or Level 5 qualification
Engagement strategies for students
Adaptability in teaching methods
Commitment to continuous professional development (CPD)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children who have special educational needs. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Haywards Farm School.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've used them in real-life situations. We love seeing examples of how you've supported students emotionally and academically.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value authenticity, so share your passion for education and how you connect with students. This helps us get a feel for who you are beyond your CV.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Amegreen Childrens Services Limited

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of the students you'll be supporting. Familiarise yourself with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and how they impact learning. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children who have complex needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported engagement and behaviour in the classroom. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their mission at Haywards Farm School.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built trusted relationships with colleagues and pupils. This will illustrate that you can contribute positively to their team dynamic.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to personalised education pathways or how they support staff development. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!

Senior Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Reading
Amegreen Childrens Services Limited
Location: Reading
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