At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging lessons and support diverse learners in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Swalwell Primary School, dedicated to inclusion and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join a friendly team committed to inclusive education and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: HLTA qualification and strong literacy and maths skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27910 - 30521 £ per year.
Location: Blank
Salary Grade G, £27,910 - £30,521 plus SSA, £1,339 - £1,364 (depending on length of service)
Full Time – 37 hours per week, term time only. Temporary to cover a maternity leave. Start: September 2026.
Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality whole-class PPA cover in mainstream classrooms, ensuring consistency, pace and high expectations for all learners.
- Work in partnership with teachers to plan, deliver and assess ambitious, engaging lessons across the mainstream curriculum.
- Confidently deliver whole-class teaching, adapting in real time so that both mainstream pupils and those with SEND can fully access learning and make strong progress.
- Provide targeted intervention, 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEND, including autism and physical disabilities.
- Skillfully adapt teaching approaches, scaffolding and resources to support pupils working across a range of needs, including those following a semi-formal pathway.
- Create inclusive, well-structured learning environments that promote independence, participation and success for every child.
- Work closely with the SENDCo and external professionals to deliver high-quality, tailored provision, including EHCP requirements.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of our semi-formal curriculum and inclusive classroom practice, ensuring strong alignment with mainstream learning.
Qualifications
- You are an enthusiastic, adaptable and highly capable practitioner who is equally confident leading a class as you are supporting individual needs.
- Hold a recognised HLTA qualification (NVQ HLTA or equivalent) – essential.
- Demonstrate strong literacy and mathematics skills (GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above).
- Be confident delivering whole-class teaching within mainstream settings, maintaining high expectations and strong behaviour for learning.
- Have a secure understanding of SEND, including autism and physical disabilities, and a proven ability to translate this into effective, inclusive classroom practice.
- Be highly skilled in adapting learning to meet a wide range of needs, including those accessing a semi-formal pathway.
- Build strong, positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
- Use ICT effectively to enhance learning, engagement and assessment.
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive education, pupil progress and high standards across the curriculum.
- Be fully committed to safeguarding and to supporting children’s social, emotional and academic development.
What we offer
- A friendly, supportive staff team committed to professional development and wellbeing.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a school with strong community links and a clear commitment to inclusion.
- Support for ongoing training, including specialist SEND practice and therapeutic approaches.
- Enthusiastic and well-behaved children who are keen to learn and enjoy school.
- A fully inclusive environment where all stakeholders strive to give children the best possible opportunities.
- The support of an actively involved and encouraging governing body.
Safeguarding and compliance
All staff must comply with school policies on child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and data protection. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. Apply by the application closing date of 16 June 2026.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant + SSA - Swalwell Primary School in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
Swalwell Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment where staff are committed to professional development and the wellbeing of both employees and students. With a strong focus on inclusion and community engagement, this role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of enthusiastic learners while benefiting from ongoing training and support in specialist SEND practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant + SSA - Swalwell Primary School in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Swalwell Primary School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and maybe even a nudge towards your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teaching and SEND. We recommend role-playing with a friend or family member to build confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusive education during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've adapted lessons for diverse learners. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating an engaging environment for all students, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant + SSA - Swalwell Primary School in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experiences, especially those related to SEND and inclusive education. We love to see examples of how you've adapted your teaching methods to support diverse learners.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Swalwell Primary School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of SEND, especially autism and physical disabilities, as well as how to create inclusive learning environments. This will show that you’re not just a good fit but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your teaching abilities during the interview. Think about how you would adapt lessons for different learners, particularly those with SEND. You might even want to bring along a lesson plan or two to discuss how you would engage all students effectively.
✨Build Connections
During the interview, focus on building rapport with the panel. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with teachers and external professionals in the past. Highlight your ability to foster positive relationships with pupils and families, as this is key to creating a supportive learning environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school’s approach to inclusion or how they support ongoing professional development. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their community.
