At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower a child with specific needs through tailored support and encouragement.
- Company: Akeley Wood School, a warm and inclusive independent school in Buckinghamshire.
- Benefits: Professional growth opportunities, beautiful campus, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming education and fostering student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while working in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: HLTA qualification and experience supporting young people with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Empower one child to thrive.
Location: Akeley Wood School, Akeley, Buckingham
Hours: Monday to Friday | 40 hours per week | 8am-4.30pm
Contract: Fixed Term | Term Time Only
Akeley Wood, part of the Blenheim family, is a thriving co‑educational independent school set across three beautiful campuses in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Welcoming pupils from 12 months to 18 years, we are a warm, inclusive and ambitious community where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their very best.
Our learning environments are designed to inspire — from specialist classrooms to woodland outdoor areas, creative studios and modern sports facilities. Joining Akeley Wood School means joining a caring, collaborative team who believe in high expectations, compassion and the transformative power of education.
We are seeking a well‑qualified and experienced Higher Level Learning Support Assistant (HLLSA) to provide 1:1 support for a student with specific needs outlined in their EHCP.
This is an EHCP‑funded role, and although the contract is fixed term, it is anticipated to extend each academic year for as long as the student attends the school and continues to qualify for funded support.
- Understand and support the specific needs of the pupil as outlined in their EHCP and support plan.
- Implement tailored strategies to help the pupil learn effectively and feel confident, supported and included.
- Promote positive behaviour and help create a calm, structured and encouraging learning environment.
- Adapt and provide differentiated resources to ensure the pupil can access the curriculum.
- Support the pupil in a range of settings: in class, during transition times, assemblies, break times and throughout the school day.
- Assist with the pupil's social interactions, concentration, engagement and emotional regulation.
- Build a trusting, supportive relationship with the pupil and their family, maintaining excellent communication.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, specialists and the Learning Support Team to enhance teaching and learning.
- Reinforce self‑esteem and celebrate small steps of progress, helping the pupil develop confidence and independence.
- Contribute to the wider teaching team by bringing energy, compassion and proactive thinking.
Requirements:
- A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification.
- Experience supporting young people with additional needs.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with pupils, parents and staff.
- Confidence using ICT for learning support, communication and record‑keeping.
- A commitment to professional development and reflective practice.
- A belief that every child can succeed with the right support.
Why Join Akeley Wood Senior School?
- You will join a caring, collaborative and forward‑thinking staff team who share a passion for supporting young people and enabling them to thrive.
- Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- A beautiful school setting with excellent facilities.
Akeley Wood School and Blenheim Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to follow safeguarding policies and undertake relevant training. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and social media checks.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Full-time/Part-time employer: Blenheim Schools
Akeley Wood School offers a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported to reach their full potential. As part of the Blenheim family, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional development, and access to beautiful facilities in the picturesque Buckinghamshire countryside. Joining our team means being part of a passionate community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Full-time/Part-time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Akeley Wood School on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting students with additional needs. Think about specific strategies you've used in the past and how you can adapt them to fit the unique environment at Akeley Wood.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education! During your interview, share stories that highlight your commitment to helping students thrive. Let them see your enthusiasm for creating a supportive learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Akeley Wood community.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Full-time/Part-time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in a child's life!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially with children who have additional needs. We love seeing how you've adapted your approach to meet individual needs, so be specific!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you can bring to our team. Avoid fluff and focus on your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Akeley Wood School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blenheim Schools
✨Know the EHCP Inside Out
Make sure you understand the specific needs outlined in the pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Familiarise yourself with how these needs translate into daily support strategies. This will show your commitment to providing tailored assistance and help you discuss how you can implement effective strategies during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since building relationships is key in this role, be prepared to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with pupils, parents, and staff in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve successfully navigated challenging conversations or built trust with students and their families.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
The role requires you to adapt resources and strategies for different learning environments. Think of specific instances where you've had to modify your approach to meet a student's needs. Discussing these examples will illustrate your flexibility and creativity in supporting diverse learners.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Education
Let your enthusiasm for helping children thrive shine through. Share your beliefs about the transformative power of education and how you’ve seen it impact students. This passion will resonate with the interviewers and align with the school's values of compassion and high expectations.
