At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and enhance learning for students with complex needs.
- Company: Join Derby College Group, a leader in inclusive education.
- Benefits: Great perks like discounts, pension scheme, and continuous development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in education; HLTA qualification preferred but support available.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Derby College Group (DCG) are recruiting a skilled and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our dedicated Inclusion Curriculum team within our Pathways provision at our iconic Broomfield Campus. We are passionate about Preparation for Adulthood and about ensuring that young people with complex needs develop the skills and confidence for increasingly independent lives.
The Opportunity
As a Higher Learning Support Assistant for Pathways provision, you’ll play a vital role in supporting teachers and enhancing the learning experience for our students with an Education, Health and Care Plan / High Needs. Our full‑time students are aged from 16-25 and follow personalised learning programmes including embedding English and maths, social skills, life skills, work skills and personal development. HLTAs provide a range of support across our curriculum and throughout unstructured times of the day.
About you
We value the ability to build good working relationships, the ability to foster confidence and a ‘can do’ attitude and challenge the 3000 students we support to strive for excellence. We also value practical problem‑solving and using your initiative in trying to make our students’ world a little better every day. You will be highly motivated and fully committed to inclusive practice. You will be an enthusiastic individual with relevant experience in education and be keen to work with students and support their growth. You will also either already be HLTA qualified or willing to work towards your level 4 HLTA qualification with full support from us.
The Benefits
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
- Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
- TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
- Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
- Microsoft Office for FREE with 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage
- Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
- Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1‑hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
- Continuous development and progression opportunities
- Free eye tests with Specsavers
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro‑divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.
Safeguarding statement
DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is also completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Please note that unfortunately, this role is ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points‑based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Recruitment Agencies — We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.
Higher Learning Teaching Assistant employer: Derby College
Contact Detail:
Derby College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Learning Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Derby College Group and their values like optimism, equity, and kindness. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teaching assistance and inclusion. Think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your commitment to supporting students with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way to get your application in, so make sure you follow the link provided and submit your details there. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Learning Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Follow the Application Process: Remember, we don’t accept CVs for this role! Make sure to submit your application through the link provided in the job description. It’s super important to stick to this process to ensure your application is considered.
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely excited about supporting students with complex needs and helping them thrive. Share your experiences that reflect this passion!
Be Specific About Your Skills: Highlight any relevant experience you have in education or working with young people. We want to see how your skills align with our values of equity, kindness, and collaboration. Don’t be shy—give us the details!
Proofread Before You Submit: Before hitting that submit button, take a moment to proofread your application. Typos and errors can distract from your message, so make sure everything is clear and polished. We want to see your best self!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derby College
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with Education, Health and Care Plans, and think about how your experience aligns with supporting their learning and development.
✨Showcase Your Kindness and Optimism
During the interview, demonstrate your optimistic attitude and kindness. Share examples of how you've built positive relationships with students or colleagues in the past. This role is all about fostering confidence and creating a supportive environment, so let your genuine passion for helping others shine through.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical problem-solving scenarios during your interview. Think of situations where you've had to use your initiative to support students or resolve challenges. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you approached these situations, as this will show your ability to adapt and innovate.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working as part of a team. Highlight any instances where you've successfully collaborated with teachers, parents, or other professionals to enhance student learning. This will demonstrate that you can contribute positively to the Inclusion Curriculum team.