Mount Havelock is part of the First Steps Together Group, and is our newest specialist school, located in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, opening in January 2027.
Providing education for young people across Key Stages 3 and 4, Mount Havelock will offer a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational environment where pupils are supported to feel safe, understood and able to succeed. Joining Mount Havelock is an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand-new school from the beginning – helping to shape its culture, establish its team and create an exceptional learning environment for our young people.
For every journey, let’s take first steps together.
At First Steps Together, we believe every child and young person deserves to feel safe, understood, included and able to succeed.
We are a growing group of specialist independent schools providing nurturing, inclusive and aspirational education for children and young people with a range of additional needs, including SEND, SEMH and complex presentations. Across our schools, strong relationships, individualised support and high expectations are central to helping pupils overcome barriers, engage in learning and achieve positive outcomes.
We are looking for a committed, caring and confident Teaching Assistant Level 2 (TA2) to join our school team and provide high-quality support for pupils with SEND and SEMH needs.
This is a hands-on, pupil-facing role for someone who enjoys working directly with children and young people, building positive relationships and helping pupils overcome the barriers that can make learning difficult.
Working under the direction of teachers and senior staff, you’ll support pupils to access learning, participate fully in school life and develop their confidence, independence and resilience. Teaching Assistant Level 2
What you’ll be doing
You’ll work directly with pupils throughout the school day, building positive, professional and trusting relationships that support their academic, social and emotional development.
Working alongside teachers, you’ll help pupils access learning by adapting your approach, providing appropriate encouragement and support and helping remove barriers that might prevent them from participating successfully in lessons.
You’ll support the delivery of learning activities and targeted interventions with individual pupils and small groups. This could include support focused on literacy, numeracy, SEMH, communication, emotional regulation or wellbeing, following agreed plans and guidance from teachers and other professionals.
You’ll help adapt and prepare learning resources to meet pupils’ individual needs and support teachers in creating a calm, structured and purposeful classroom environment. You’ll also help pupils manage transitions between lessons and the less structured parts of the school day. Teaching Assistant Level 2
Supporting pupils with behaviour and emotional regulation will be an important part of your role. You’ll use positive and proactive approaches, reinforcing clear and consistent expectations and helping pupils develop strategies to manage their emotions and behaviour.
When situations become challenging, you’ll remain calm and use agreed behaviour support and de‑escalation strategies to help maintain the safety, dignity and wellbeing of pupils and those around them.
You’ll support the implementation of personalised plans, including EHCP targets, individual learning plans, behaviour plans and risk assessments, helping ensure agreed strategies are followed consistently throughout the school day. Teaching Assistant Level 2
You’ll observe pupils’ learning, behaviour, wellbeing and engagement and provide clear feedback to teachers and senior staff. You’ll also maintain accurate records of relevant information and incidents using the school’s agreed systems. Teaching Assistant Level 2
Beyond the classroom, you’ll provide appropriate supervision and support during breaktimes, lunchtimes, transitions, educational visits and other activities, helping pupils participate safely and successfully in the wider life of the school.
Strong teamwork will be important. You’ll work collaboratively with teachers, school leaders and other colleagues and contribute appropriately to communication with families and other professionals where required.
Above all, you’ll be someone pupils can rely on – providing the encouragement, consistency and support they need while helping them develop the confidence and independence to do more for themselves.
Bring your difference
We’re looking for someone with experience of working with children or young people in education or a similar setting, ideally including experience of supporting pupils with SEND, SEMH or other additional needs. Teaching Assistant Level 2
You’ll understand that every pupil is different and that behaviour, engagement and communication can be influenced by a wide range of needs and experiences. You’ll be able to build positive relationships, follow agreed support strategies and adapt your approach to help individual pupils engage successfully.
You’ll have an understanding of child development, barriers to learning and inclusive practice, alongside an awareness of positive behaviour support and the importance of consistency.
You’ll be comfortable supporting learning activities under the direction of a teacher and delivering planned one-to-one or small-group interventions with appropriate guidance. You’ll be observant and able to recognise changes in a pupil’s learning, behaviour or wellbeing and communicate these effectively to colleagues.
A relevant Level 2 qualification, such as Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent experience is important for this role, alongside a good standard of general education including English and Maths. Teaching Assistant Level 2
You’ll also need good communication skills and the ability to work positively as part of a team. You’ll be able to maintain accurate records, communicate professionally with colleagues and families and understand the importance of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Experience of delivering targeted interventions, supporting pupils with EHCPs or behaviour support plans, or using approaches such as Zones of Regulation or nurture would be particularly valuable, although these are not essential.
Training or experience in behaviour management, SEMH support or de‑escalation strategies would also be beneficial.
Most importantly, you’ll bring a patient, resilient and empathetic approach. You’ll be reliable, flexible and committed to inclusion, with a genuine desire to help children and young people feel supported, develop their confidence and achieve their potential. Teaching Assistant Level 2
Why First Steps Together?
This is an opportunity to build your career within a specialist school where relationships, inclusion and individualised support are central to how we work.
As a Level 2 Teaching Assistant, you’ll play an important role in pupils’ everyday experience of school – helping them access learning, manage challenges, develop positive relationships and build the skills they need to become more confident and independent.
You’ll work alongside experienced teachers, school leaders and other professionals and have opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills across SEND, SEMH, safeguarding, behaviour and inclusive practice.
You’ll receive a comprehensive induction and ongoing training and development, with opportunities to build your experience and progress your career as First Steps Together. Teaching Assistant Level 2
Safeguarding
First Steps Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment to this role will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment and pre‑employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS, satisfactory references, online checks and overseas police checks where required.
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