At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging lessons and provide targeted support for students with diverse needs.
- Company: Ridge Hill School, a supportive environment celebrating neurodiversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating a calm and productive learning space.
- Why this job: Be a key player in helping every child reach their unique potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism/SEND and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a HLTA at Ridge Hill School you are a vital pedagogical expert who bridges the gap between classroom support and lead teaching. You will provide high-quality, consistent education and care, ensuring our pupils continue to thrive during teacher PPA time and through targeted, specialist interventions. You are a key member of our learning family, dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity and helping every child reach their bespoke potential.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead class sessions during teacher’s PPA time, delivering meaningful, sensory-aware lessons that are directly aligned with pupil EHCP goals. Maintain consistency and high standards of instruction, ensuring learning remains uninterrupted and engaging.
- Targeted Interventions: Design and lead 1-to-1 or small group sessions focusing on core developmental areas, including Speech and Language, social stories, and motor skills development. Implement bespoke interventions that support communication and emotional regulation. Act as the right hand to the class teacher, fostering a calm, regulated, and productive environment. Model best practice for teaching assistants, helping to maintain high standards of sensory-friendly pedagogy across the classroom.
- Observation & Data Tracking: Monitor and record student progress, tracking the small wins and milestones that inform formal EHCP Annual Reviews. Utilise assessment data to contribute to the ongoing refinement of individual learning pathways.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Desirable: Advanced training in Autism/SEND
Experience
- Essential: Significant experience working with moderate learning difficulties and autism
- Desirable: Experience leading whole-class sessions
Expertise
- Essential: Proficient in visual supports (PECS, Now/Next, etc.)
- Desirable: Knowledge of sensory integration strategies
Leadership
- Essential: Ability to maintain calm during transitions in a 6-pupil setting
- Desirable: Experience mentoring or supporting other staff
Communication
- Essential: Deep understanding that behaviour is communication
- Desirable: Skilled in AAC or Makaton
Mindset
- Essential: Resilient, creative, and highly adaptable
- Desirable: Committed to a child-first approach to neurodiversity
Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) employer: First4Children
Ridge Hill School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of both its staff and students. With a strong commitment to celebrating neurodiversity, we foster a supportive work culture where HLTAs can thrive through professional development opportunities and collaboration with dedicated colleagues. Located in a vibrant community, our school offers a unique environment where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with neurodiverse children. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to teaching strategies and interventions. We suggest you come up with examples from your experience that showcase your ability to support diverse learning needs and maintain a calm classroom environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience with sensory-friendly pedagogy and any bespoke interventions you've designed. This will give potential employers a clear picture of how you can contribute to their team.
✨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 you're genuinely interested in being part of our learning family at Ridge Hill School.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through! We want to see how dedicated you are to supporting neurodiverse learners and helping them reach their potential. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to education.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the HLTA role at Ridge Hill School. Use keywords from the job description, like 'sensory-aware lessons' and 'bespoke interventions', to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase your experience working with children who have moderate learning difficulties and autism. We want to know about your previous roles and how they’ve prepared you for this position. Be specific about your achievements and the impact you’ve made!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Balance your personality with a clear structure and concise language. And of course, apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at First4Children
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. Brush up on your knowledge of EHCP goals and how to deliver sensory-aware lessons. Being able to discuss specific strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners will show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led class sessions or implemented targeted interventions. Highlight any work you've done with speech and language development or emotional regulation, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since communication is key in this role, be ready to discuss how you understand behaviour as a form of communication. Share your experiences using visual supports like PECS or AAC, and how these tools have helped you connect with students.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
The ability to stay calm and adapt during transitions is crucial. Prepare to share instances where you’ve had to think on your feet or adjust your approach to meet the needs of your pupils. This will highlight your resilience and creativity, which are essential traits for this position.
