At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Year 3 and provide high-quality assistance across all primary year groups.
- Company: Astro Education, a community-focused organisation with a strong reputation for inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, mentoring support, and a nurturing school environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: HLTA status or equivalent experience, with strong communication and classroom management skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 ÂŁ per year.
Astro Education is proud to be working in partnership with a Primary School in Knutsford, a friendly, community-focused setting with a strong reputation for inclusion and high standards. We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or an experienced Teaching Assistant (TA) to cover a maternity leave starting at the end of January 2026.
The role combines:
- 1½ days a week supporting Year 3, delivering whole-class teaching and targeted intervention work.
- 3½ days a week providing high-quality support across Reception to Year 6, offering cover, small-group teaching, and learning intervention across the school.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference across the whole primary age range, supporting children’s progress, confidence, and wellbeing. It would also be perfect for a qualified teacher seeking a long-term position within a supportive, nurturing school community.
Main Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver individual, group, and whole-class learning activities across the school within teacher-led frameworks.
- Use multi-sensory learning strategies and differentiated tasks to support a range of abilities and needs.
- Manage classroom behaviour and ensure a constructive, positive learning environment.
- Track and assess pupil progress, contributing to reports and feedback for teachers and parents.
- Liaise effectively with staff, parents, and outside agencies to promote pupil wellbeing.
- Support the development and preparation of classroom resources and learning materials.
- Supervise pupils during lessons and educational visits, ensuring health, safety, and inclusion for all.
What We’re Looking For
- Experienced HLTA with HLTA status (or equivalent experience as a qualified teacher).
- Alternatively, a TA who has delivered some whole-class cover.
- Experience across KS1 and KS2 (preferred).
- Strong communication, organisation, and classroom-management skills.
- A flexible, positive attitude and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team.
- A genuine commitment to helping every child succeed.
About Astro Education
At Astro Education, we’re redefining how schools and educators connect. Founded and led by experienced school leaders, we believe in ethical recruitment, transparency, and genuine support. When you work with Astro, you’re part of a community that values people.
We offer:
- Regular check-ins and mentoring support.
- Long-term partnerships with local schools.
- A 12-week “temp-to-perm” model giving security to both staff and schools.
- A team that understands the classroom first-hand.
Why Apply Through Astro?
You’ll be supported throughout by Darren Locke, our Recruitment & Educational Development Lead for Cheshire, bringing over 30 years of school leadership experience. Darren and the team will ensure you feel confident, supported and valued from day one.
Interested? Let’s talk! Apply today or contact Darren Locke for an informal chat.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant / Experienced TA employer: Astro Education
Contact Detail:
Astro Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant / Experienced TA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to teaching assistants. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and get comfortable discussing your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education during interviews. Share stories about how you've positively impacted students' learning and wellbeing. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re here to support you every step of the way, and applying directly with us means you’ll have access to exclusive opportunities and personalised guidance from our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant / Experienced TA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HLTA role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in supporting Year 3 and across KS1 and KS2. We want to see how you can make a difference in our community-focused school!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your communication, organisation, and classroom management skills. We’re looking for someone who can create a positive learning environment, so share examples of how you've done this in the past!
Be Genuine: Let your passion for helping children succeed shine through in your application. We value a flexible and positive attitude, so share your commitment to supporting every child's progress and wellbeing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll be in touch with Darren and the team right from the start, ensuring you feel supported and valued throughout your application journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astro Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the school’s ethos and values. Research their approach to inclusion and how they support different learning needs. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you’ve successfully supported students. Whether it’s planning lessons or managing classroom behaviour, having concrete examples will demonstrate your capability and experience as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their teaching methods, how they support staff development, or what a typical day looks like for an HLTA. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Schools are looking for someone who fits into their team, so being authentic can help you connect with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.