At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging lessons and provide targeted support for students with diverse needs.
- Company: Ridge Hill School, a nurturing environment celebrating neurodiversity.
- Benefits: Supportive team, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be a key player in helping every child reach their unique potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with autism/SEND and a passion for inclusive education.
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.
- 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.
- 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) in Stoke-on-Trent employer: First4Children
At Ridge Hill School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our Higher-Level Teaching Assistants. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, providing ample opportunities for training in neurodiversity and special educational needs. Located in a vibrant community, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every staff member can thrive and make a meaningful impact on our pupils' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Ridge Hill School on LinkedIn or through social media. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a HLTA.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to neurodiversity and sensory-aware teaching. We can even role-play with a friend to boost our confidence and refine our answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education during the interview! Share specific examples of how you've supported students with moderate learning difficulties or autism. This will help us stand out as a dedicated candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in Stoke-on-Trent
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 with moderate learning difficulties and autism! We want to know about your past roles and how they’ve prepared you for this position. Be specific about your achievements and the impact you’ve had on students’ learning.
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 focus on your qualifications. And hey, don’t forget to apply through our website – it’s the best way to get your application in front of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at First4Children
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in 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 to share examples from your past experiences, especially those involving moderate learning difficulties and autism. Highlight any targeted interventions you've designed or led, and be ready to discuss how you’ve tracked student progress and contributed to their learning pathways.
✨Demonstrate Your Pedagogical Skills
During the interview, think about how you can model best practices for teaching assistants. You might be asked to demonstrate how you would lead a class session or implement a specific intervention. Practise explaining your approach to maintaining a calm and productive environment, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Mindset
Be prepared to discuss your mindset and how it aligns with a child-first approach to neurodiversity. Share examples of your resilience, creativity, and adaptability in challenging situations. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just qualified, but also passionate about making a difference in students' lives.
