Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Key Stage 3 & 4)
Registered Independent Special School · Full-time · January 2027
The Oaks · Registered Independent Special School, Bradford BD8
The Oaks School is a new independent special school for pupils aged 11–16 specifically designed to meet the needs of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We are committed to creating a calm, nurturing and purposeful environment, with a broad therapeutic curriculum to enable every student to thrive, regardless of background and educational journey. Our ethos “Believe you can achieve” underpins everything we do, to ensure the children in our care have a safe place to belong.
We are now recruiting an inspirational and caring Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our growing team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a small specialist school in its foundational year, to collaborate with like‑minded professionals and support the delivery of a holistic curriculum which will meet pupils’ individual learning needs. We are looking for an experienced practitioner who understands adaptive teaching and differentiation and can confidently support and deliver learning across Key Stages 3 and 4. We welcome applicants of all experiences who are seeking a genuine opportunity to make a difference.
About the role
As a HLTA at The Oaks you will:
- Support and deliver learning across Key Stages 3 and 4 under the direction of teaching staff
- Lead planned lessons, small-group learning and interventions when required
- Deliver literacy, numeracy, Functional Skills and targeted EHCP interventions
- Provide appropriate classroom cover when required
- Support teachers with curriculum delivery, adaptation and differentiation
- Use assessment information and observations to monitor pupil progress and inform next steps
- Support pupils to meet individual EHCP outcomes
- Promote regulation, engagement and positive behaviour with consistent application of the Behaviour, Regulation and Rewards Policy
- Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and multi‑agency professionals to enhance opportunities and outcomes
- Foster positive relationships with pupils and families to support engagement and wellbeing
- Join a collaborative, innovative and relational team
Person specification
- Willingness to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list information
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- Up‑to‑date KCSIE safeguarding training
- SEN and behaviour‑related training or specialism
- Relevant teaching, learning or therapeutic qualifications
- Functional Skills experience or qualifications
- A desire to invest in Personal Development qualifications
Experience
- Supporting and/or delivering learning within an education setting
- Leading small groups, interventions or planned learning
- Supporting learners with SEMH or challenging behaviour
- Supporting literacy, numeracy and/or Functional Skills
- Skilled at using assessment information to monitor progress
Professional knowledge
- Strong understanding of adaptive teaching, differentiation and effective classroom practice
- Understanding of SEND, SEMH and relational approaches
- Understanding of EHCPs and individual pupil outcomes
- Confident with ICT for teaching and learning
- Knowledge of relevant national policies and statutory frameworks
Personal attributes
- A desire to make a difference
- A calm, regulated and patient outlook
- Ability to motivate and engage reluctant pupils and adults (including parents/carers)
- Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
- Highly organised with effective time management
- Resilient, reflective and committed to specialist SEMH education
Why join The Oaks School?
At The Oaks, your work will make a real difference. We are building a strong, supportive and collaborative team with high aspirations, respect, creativity and acceptance. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the school from the ground up and help support pupils to re‑engage with learning, develop resilience and help them discover self‑efficacy and a desire to succeed.
- Company pension
- Referral programme
- Therapeutic Environment
- Comprehensive Personal Development opportunities
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Key Stage 3 & 4) in Bradford employer: Associated Wellbeing Ltd
Associated Wellbeing Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and residents. With a focus on professional development, employees have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about youth mental health. Located in Bradford, the company provides a flexible working environment that values teamwork and innovation in delivering high-quality care.
