Role title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Reports to: Head of School
Salary From: £23,000
Location: 13–15 Broad Street, Bury, BL9 0DA
Our Values
At EdStart, our principal value is Progression — we are committed to helping every student achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their individual challenges. Alongside this, we uphold the values of Humanity, Togetherness, and Compassion, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for both students and staff.
We are proud to embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to building a workforce that reflects this ethos. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals to apply regardless of sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.
Purpose of the Role
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at EdStart Schools, you will play a key role in supporting children and young people with SEMH needs and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Working closely with the class teacher, you will support the delivery of high-quality, differentiated learning, helping pupils who may have experienced barriers to education to engage positively and make academic, social and emotional progress.
You will need to be confident working alongside the teacher within the classroom, while also being comfortable taking responsibility for small groups of students when required.
During afternoon sessions, you may support or lead small-group activities, including PSHE , and Life Skills helping students develop their confidence, independence, social skills and understanding of key personal and social topics.
Key Responsibilities
- Classroom Support: Work closely with teachers to support the delivery of engaging and differentiated lessons for pupils with SEMH, SEN and EHCPs.
- Individual and Group Support: Provide targeted support to individual pupils and small groups, adapting your approach to their academic, behavioural and emotional needs.
- Small Group Delivery: Confidently support and, where required, lead small-group sessions independently, particularly during afternoon learning.
- PSHE Support: Support or lead PSHE activities with small groups, helping pupils develop their social, emotional and personal skills.
- Planning and Preparation: Assist teachers with lesson preparation and resources, ensuring activities are accessible and appropriate for individual pupils.
- Behaviour and Pastoral Support: Support pupils to regulate their behaviour and emotions, using positive and consistent approaches to build strong relationships.
- Assessment and Monitoring: Help monitor student progress and provide feedback to teachers on engagement, outcomes and areas requiring further support.
- EHCP and SEN Support: Work alongside teachers, the SENCo and wider support team to help deliver strategies and interventions identified within pupils’ EHCPs and individual support plans.
- Inclusion and Differentiation: Adapt support to ensure pupils with different learning profiles and needs can access and engage with the curriculum.
- Communication: Build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and carers and contribute to effective communication around pupil progress.
- Safeguarding and Well-being: Follow EdStart’s safeguarding policies and maintain the safety and welfare of pupils at all times.
- Professional Development: Participate in training and development opportunities to strengthen your knowledge of SEMH, SEN and alternative provision.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- HLTA Qualification: A recognised Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent is desirable but not essential
- Experience working within a school or education setting, ideally supporting children and young people with SEMH, SEN and/or EHCPs.
- Confidence supporting a teacher within the classroom as well as leading small groups independently when required.
- Ability to build positive, professional relationships with pupils who may present with challenging behaviour or barriers to learning.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- A calm, consistent and compassionate approach.
- Strong organisation and time-management skills.
- A genuine commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for young people.
- Good understanding of safeguarding procedures and responsibilities.
Preferred Experience
- Experience within an SEMH/SEN setting or alternative provision.
- Experience supporting pupils with EHCPs.
- Proven ability to deliver or support small-group learning.
- Experience supporting or delivering PSHE, RE or other personal-development subjects.
- Experience using school systems to support attendance, behaviour or pastoral monitoring.
- Qualifications or experience in mentoring, counselling or youth work would be advantageous.
Why EdStart?
- Supportive and Inclusive Environment: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting students with SEMH and SEN needs, creating a nurturing and trauma‑informed space for learning.
- Professional Growth: Access ongoing training, mentoring and career development opportunities.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate educators and support professionals committed to improving outcomes for young people.
- Meaningful Impact: Play a vital role in supporting students who have experienced barriers to mainstream education.
- Work-Life Balance: Join a supportive culture that values staff wellbeing.
- Innovative Approach: Be part of a forward-thinking organisation that embraces creativity and personalised approaches to education.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
EdStart Specialist Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to a fully enhanced DBS check.
As part of our due diligence process, we will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 guidelines.
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