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- Tasks: Support students with Autism in a nurturing environment and lead classes when needed.
- Company: Join Aurora Poppyfield School, dedicated to empowering young people with special educational needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and discounts on everyday essentials.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: HLTA Diploma or equivalent, plus GCSE English & Maths.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your development and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 28838 - 31465 £ per year.
Location: Effingham, Surrey
Actual annual salary: £28,838 - £31,465 dependant on qualifications. Plus £2000 Welcome bonus for HLTA with SEN Experience.
Hourly rate: £16.14 - £17.61 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week - Term Time only - Start time 8.15am - Finish time Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 4.45pm, Thursday 5pm and Friday 4pm
Start Date: As soon as possible
Join our dedicated team at Poppyfield School, where we support students aged 11–16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) through a nurturing and inclusive approach. We empower our young people to access the national curriculum in a way that works for them and to achieve meaningful vocational qualifications by the time they leave school.
Why Apply?
- Make a real difference in students’ lives
- Contribute to a creative, inclusive curriculum
- Work with inspiring pupils and a supportive team
- Be part of an organisation that values and invests in staff
Key Responsibilities:
- Pupil Welfare & Safeguarding: Ensure pupil safety and wellbeing in line with school safeguarding and PREVENT policies. Provide feedback on pupil behaviour, relationships, and attitudes. Monitor and manage pupil conduct, resolving complex behavioural issues and maintaining accurate records.
- Teaching & Learning Support: Lead classes in the absence of the Class Teacher. Support teaching duties as per professional standards. Plan and deliver learning activities for individuals, groups, or whole classes, adapting as needed. Provide high-quality, differentiated educational experiences across the curriculum. Develop and implement individual pupil plans (e.g. EHCPs), and contribute to reviews when required.
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of the school when required.
Skills and Qualifications
What We’re Looking For:
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification or demonstrate equivalent skill level.
- GCSE English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection
- Knowledge of SEN, SEMH, or ASD
- Consistent, child-centred support approach
- Positive, creative mindset to meet individual needs
- Willingness to engage in behaviour support strategies (including Team Teach physical intervention, if needed)
- Ability to complete accurate, timely reports
Benefits and Additional Information
What’s on Offer at Aurora?
We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:
- Grow with Us – Training & Development: Learning never stops at Aurora! We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.
- Save Money on Everyday Essentials: With the rising cost of living, our Perkbox app helps you stretch your money further: Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more. Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme. Access Wagestream – a financial wellbeing app that helps you track earnings, save, get expert money advice, and even access part of your pay early when needed.
- Competitive Pay & Reward: We regularly benchmark our pay and benefits to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll enjoy: Enhanced Annual Leave, Company Sick Pay, Enhanced Pension, Life Assurance.
- 24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household: Need a doctor? No problem. Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night. This service covers everyone in your household.
- UK Health Cash Plan: Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills. You and your children are included in the scheme, and you can upgrade to add your partner too!
- Employee Assistance Programme: Your wellbeing matters. Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including: Freephone counselling (available 24/7), Online tools and resources.
- Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000! Know someone who’d be a great fit? Refer them and get rewarded! (*Terms apply)
How to Apply:
For candidates that haven’t worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors. Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you. Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
Safeguarding Statement: Aurora Poppyfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant – SEN in Effingham employer: Aurora Poppyfield School
Contact Detail:
Aurora Poppyfield School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant – SEN in Effingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or SEN. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to SEN. Familiarise yourself with their values and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about your experiences with SEN and how they align with the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Aurora Poppyfield School. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant – SEN in Effingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Personal and Authentic: When writing your personal statement, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and what drives you to work with students with SEN. Share your experiences and passion for making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant – SEN. Highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your understanding of safeguarding and child protection, as well as your knowledge of SEN, SEMH, or ASD. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate a consistent, child-centred support approach.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to fill in all sections of the online application form completely, as this helps us get a full picture of your background and skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aurora Poppyfield School
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN), particularly Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Be ready to discuss how you can adapt teaching methods to meet individual needs and share any relevant experiences you've had in similar roles.
✨Showcase Your Behaviour Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex behavioural issues in the past. Think about specific strategies you've used and be ready to explain how they helped create a positive learning environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure pupil safety and wellbeing. Highlight any training or experience you have in this area, as it’s crucial for the role.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research Aurora Poppyfield School and understand their mission and values. Be ready to express why you want to work there and how your personal values align with theirs. This shows genuine interest and commitment to the role.
