HLTA of SEND in Oxford

Thank you for your interest in the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Attendance and Inclusion) at Greyfriars Catholic School, part of The Pope Francis Multi Academy Company (PFMAC) within the Archdiocese of Birmingham. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our growing inclusion team at an exciting point in the school's development. This is a unique opportunity to become part of an ambitious team that is rethinking how schools support students whose attendance, social and emotional needs, or additional learning needs create barriers to success.

At Greyfriars, we believe that every child deserves to belong. We know that education changes lives, but students can only benefit from an outstanding education if they are present, engaged and able to access learning successfully. Nationally, attendance has become one of the most significant priorities for schools. At Greyfriars, we have responded by creating an innovative Attendance and Inclusion Hub that brings together attendance, inclusion, safeguarding and pastoral support into one coordinated approach.

A central part of this role will be coordinating and delivering our bespoke programmes of study for students who require short-term alternative provision within school. These may include students returning following prolonged absence, experiencing social, emotional or mental health difficulties, or requiring carefully planned reintegration following periods away from mainstream lessons. Working closely with the SENCO, Attendance Team and pastoral leaders, you will ensure that students continue to experience an ambitious curriculum whilst developing the confidence, resilience and routines needed to return successfully to mainstream education.

We are looking for someone who combines warmth with high expectations, someone who believes in building relationships while never losing sight of the importance of excellent learning. The successful candidate will be highly organised, emotionally intelligent and committed to helping students overcome barriers to education. They will understand that every conversation, every intervention and every successful return to the classroom has the potential to change a young person's future.

Our vision at Greyfriars is that we are a Catholic school that champions each and every student so they can flourish individually and collectively. We champion students through excellent teaching, clear routines and strong relationships. We believe that working hard and being kind enables young people to become the very best version of themselves. This role is central to that mission, ensuring that our most vulnerable students remain connected to learning and are supported to achieve success.

If you share our ambition to build an inclusive school where every student belongs, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to seek further information. I would be delighted to personally show you around our wonderful school and discuss this exciting opportunity in more detail.

For further information please contact the School Business Manager, Sophie Upellini, at s.upellini@gfcs.uk or by phone: 01865 749933. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Application due by 5pm: 30/09/2026 Interview date: TBC Job start: ASAP.

As we are a Catholic school, applicants must complete the CES application form in order to be considered for an interview. There is no requirement to be Catholic in order to be successful at an interview. We are committed to equal opportunities. To comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1998 (as amended by S147 of the Nationality and Immigration and Asylum Act 2002) all prospective employees will be required to supply evidence of eligibility to work in the UK. Greyfriars Catholic School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant for any position will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure via the DBS (disclosure and barring system) and appropriate Right to Work clearances and our recruitment and selection practice.

Purpose of the Role

• Deliver high-quality intervention, learning and pastoral support for students experiencing barriers to learning, particularly those with SEND, SEMH needs or poor attendance.
• Coordinate and deliver bespoke programmes of study and intervention within the Attendance and Inclusion Hub, enabling students to remain engaged with education and successfully reintegrate into mainstream learning.
• Work alongside the SENCO, Attendance Team, pastoral leaders and teaching staff to remove barriers to learning through carefully planned academic and pastoral support.
• Champion students by developing their confidence, resilience, literacy and independence so that they are able to flourish both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and delivery of an ambitious, inclusive, and tailored curriculum for students with SEND.
• Plan and prepare lessons and interventions, specifically, phonics interventions, that are differentiated to meet a range of complex needs, fostering confidence, independence, and aspiration.
• Assist with curriculum development projects to ensure the curriculum remains inclusive and responsive.
• To coordinate and deliver high-quality provision within the Attendance and Inclusion Hub, ensuring that students who experience barriers to learning remain engaged with education and are successfully supported back into mainstream school life.
• The delivery of high-quality teaching and intervention sessions to students with SEND, ensuring clarity, compassion, and high expectations.
• Monitoring and assessing student progress carefully and adapting teaching methods to maximise outcomes.
• Using literacy, numeracy, oracy, and digital literacy strategies within teaching to promote broader development.
• Supporting learning through specialised interventions or small-group teaching.
• To develop strong, professional relationships with students, families, colleagues and external agencies, ensuring that information is shared effectively and that students receive coordinated support.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with students, parents, and external agencies.
• Communicate regularly with parents and carers regarding student progress, well-being, and next steps.
• Collaborate with teaching and support colleagues to ensure a consistent, inclusive approach across the school.
• To monitor the impact of interventions and ensure that support is responsive, evidence-informed and focused on improving outcomes for students.
• Monitor, assess, and report on the progress and achievements of students with SEND.
• Use data and feedback to inform next steps and improve provision.
• To work alongside the Attendance Team in promoting excellent attendance by identifying barriers, developing positive relationships with students and families, and implementing targeted interventions that improve engagement and participation in school.
• Support students whose attendance is a concern.
• Deliver intervention programmes designed to improve engagement.
• Meet regularly with students to identify barriers to attendance.
• Support transition back into school following prolonged absence.
• Work positively with families to improve attendance.
• To promote the welfare and safety of all students by maintaining high levels of vigilance, acting promptly on concerns and contributing to a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
• Promote the personal, academic, and spiritual development of students with SEND.
• Act as a key adult or Form Tutor for SEND students where appropriate, promoting resilience, courage, integrity, and compassion.
• Maintain full compliance with safeguarding and child protection procedures, integrating safeguarding priorities into everyday work.

Person Specification

• HLTA qualification and experience.
• Experience teaching or delivering interventions to SEND students.
• Strong understanding of SEND Code of Practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire students.
• Alignment with Greyfriars’ ethos: championing every student to flourish individually and collectively.
• Optimistic outlook that recognises the complexity of working in schools but the joy that is at the centre of such important work.
• Knowledge of up-to-date safeguarding, child protection practice and legislation with a willingness to uphold and promote fundamental British values.

Desirable:

• Additional SEND qualifications.
• Experience delivering literacy, numeracy, or communication interventions.
• Experience working in a high-performing SEND team.
• Experience planning bespoke programmes for complex SEND needs.
• Familiarity with digital tools to support SEND learning.

Notes: Whilst every effort has been made to explain the main duties and responsibilities of the post, each individual task undertaken may not be identified. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description. Employees are expected to be courteous to colleagues and provide a welcoming environment to visitors and telephone callers. The school will endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employees who develop a disabling condition.