Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Permanent – Full-time – Term time plus 10 inset days

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. This is a hands‑on role where relationships, consistency and calm leadership make a real difference every day. 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 an ability to build trusted relationships with pupils and colleagues

Working Pattern, Support and Benefits

• Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00, 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 off‑site 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) – 4× 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 the south coast
• Discounts – Blue Light Card and 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 plus Cycle to Work – salary sacrifice options
• Recognition – Employee of the Month and 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. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.

Safeguarding and GDPR

Amegreen Children’s 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.