At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver a tailored academic curriculum and support pupils with SEND in a compassionate environment.
- Company: An independent special school dedicated to nurturing students with unique needs.
- Benefits: 24/7 wellbeing support, generous resource budgets, and professional training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy excellent career progression in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a full driving licence are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Benefits:
- 24/7 Wellbeing support from the Employee Assistance Programme (including free face-to-face counselling and supervision sessions if desired)
- Generous budgets for resources for subject delivery; each child has a personal ICT and SEND budget
- Schemes of work and resources provided
- Staff 'thank you' events throughout the year to show our appreciation
- Refreshments provided throughout every day
- Full financial support and training time throughout the duration of the course
Position Details:
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant – 36.5 hours per week (daily unpaid 30-minute lunch break)
- Directed hours: Mondays 8:30 – 17:30; Tuesdays to Fridays 8:30 – 16:00
- 5 days per week, term time only
- Required 1st September 2026
About the School:
This independent special school for 18 pupils opened in September 2019. Pupils are aged between 6 and 17 years, with a main cohort typically between 10 and 17 years.
Role Overview:
We are looking for a positive, flexible, compassionate person to join our friendly team. As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will deliver a tailor-made academic curriculum for a small group of 5-6 pupils, lead on one subject area, and support the class teacher and Curriculum Lead. With training, you will deliver our therapeutic curriculum, supporting children with low-level dysregulation and mental health needs. Lessons are at the school and activities are planned around the local area, using specialist support teams for extra-curricular activities. You will be required to transport and accompany children to local activities. Ownership and use of a car full-time and a full driving licence are therefore essential.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and deliver a tailored academic curriculum for a small group of pupils
- Lead on one subject area, working with the class teacher and Curriculum Lead
- Deliver the therapeutic curriculum supporting children with low-level dysregulation and mental health needs
- Plan and lead lessons at the school and coordinate local area activities
- Transport and accompany pupils to local activities
Qualifications:
- Substantial recent school-based experience supporting and teaching pupils with SEND, using an evidence-based therapeutic approach
- Qualification in at least GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English
- Full driving licence and entitlement to use a car full-time
- Experience as a Learning Support Assistant is desirable; we welcome applications from highly experienced LSAs who desire to progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant status
HLTA: Lead on Therapeutic SEND Curriculum in Chelmsford employer: Clarity Independent School
Join our independent special school, where we prioritise the wellbeing and professional growth of our staff. With generous resources for subject delivery, ongoing training, and a supportive work culture that includes 24/7 wellbeing assistance and regular appreciation events, we create an environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with SEND. Located in a vibrant community, this role offers unique opportunities to engage with local activities and support children in their personal development.
Contact Details:
Clarity Independent School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA: Lead on Therapeutic SEND Curriculum in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to therapeutic education. Show us you understand our values and how you can contribute to our mission of supporting pupils with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to your experience with SEND. We want to hear about specific examples where you've made a difference in a child's learning journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA: Lead on Therapeutic SEND Curriculum in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with SEND pupils shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Highlight your experience with SEND and any therapeutic approaches you've used. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarity Independent School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the therapeutic SEND curriculum and how it applies to the role. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you would use to support pupils with low-level dysregulation and mental health needs.
✨Showcase Your Compassion and Flexibility
During the interview, highlight your compassionate approach and flexibility in working with diverse learners. Share examples from your past experiences where you adapted your teaching methods to meet individual needs.
✨Prepare Questions About the School's Values
Research the school’s ethos and values, especially regarding their approach to SEND. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, collaboration is key. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked effectively within a team in previous roles, and how you plan to support both the class teacher and Curriculum Lead in this position.
