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- Tasks: Inspire primary-age children through engaging Forest School sessions and creative learning experiences.
- Company: Join a top-rated primary academy committed to excellence and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong focus on staff development and community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, HLTA qualification, and experience with Forest School.
The predicted salary is between 27354 - 27354 £ per year.
About Us
We are a 3 form entry primary school from Reception to Year 6, which also includes a 52 place Nursery. Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred (HPACH) is a successful academy that was judged outstanding in every category in our March 2025 Ofsted inspection. We are a sister school to Harris Primary Academy Mayflower and Harris Academy Chafford Hundred, along with the other Academies in the Harris Federation. We work very closely together and share the very best practice and leadership knowledge and capacity to make the education we offer outstanding. Our shared belief is that children thrive when they feel consistently happy and safe at school and our commitment to excellence is encapsulated in our vision statement: "Excellence, Every child, Every day." Our Core values of: Community, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility and Kindness underpin everything that happens at Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred. They are our foundations and we have a clear expectation that all adults, as well as children and staff, model and respect these values both inside and outside the academy.
Our team are committed to every child, and aim to develop confident and creative learners who leave the academy ready for secondary and the world ahead of them. We proudly celebrate our children’s diversity and achievements, from both school and at home. Whether they are learning English and Maths, Latin or Mandarin, competing in sports, or discussing their dream occupations, we do whatever it takes to ensure our pupils gain the confidence to aspire and flourish in life. At HPACH, we work tirelessly to make sure that every child comes to recognise their own potential. As a result of the exceptional practice at our academy every single day, our children achieve outstanding outcomes each year and we are incredibly proud of them. Alongside academic achievement, we want our academy to be a safe and caring space for children who are excited and happy to come to school every day to learn, grow and develop. We offer many opportunities for our parents and the local community to share in our students' learning and encourage our parents to attend academy events.
Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Forest School. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring a specialism in Forest School to enriching our curriculum and inspiring pupils through creative and engaging learning experiences. The actual salary for this role will be £27,354.43-£ weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week). We will also consider applications for four days per week (actual salary £21,883.54-£22,860.18).
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Teaching primary-age children, including those with SEN, the Forest School curriculum
- Planning, preparing, delivering and assessing a range of CPD lessons, PPA cover, extra-curricular club sessions and other related programmes, all designed to enhance the school’s Forest School Provision
- Ensuring all equipment associated with the Forest School session is correctly set up, maintained, stored and returned on completion of the Forest School session
- Establishing constructive relationships and communicating with external agencies as required
- Leading agreed enrichment activities
Qualifications & Experience
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths – Grade C or above
- HLTA qualification
- Experience of delivering Forest School sessions to young people aged between 5 and 11 in a school environment
- Knowledge of the Level 3 Forest School Qualification and ability to deliver the Forest School curriculum throughout
- The ability to encourage and inspire young people through the Forest School provision
Professional Development & Benefits
Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level. In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Next Steps
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification.
Locations
Forest School HLTA in Essex, Grays employer: Harris Federation
Contact Detail:
Harris Federation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School HLTA in Essex, Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can bring the Forest School curriculum to life. Have some creative ideas ready to share that align with the school's commitment to excellence and community values.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School HLTA in Essex, Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Forest School: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the Forest School curriculum shine through. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight why you love this approach to learning and how it can benefit our pupils.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred. Mention how your skills and experiences align with our commitment to excellence and the core values we uphold.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary details and resources to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know Your Forest School Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Forest School curriculum and your experience delivering sessions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired young learners through creative activities. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concept, but that you can bring it to life!
✨Emphasise Your Values
The school’s core values are Community, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness. Think about how you embody these values in your teaching practice. Prepare to discuss how you’ve modelled these traits in previous roles, especially when working with children and colleagues.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since this role involves collaboration with other staff and external agencies, be prepared to talk about your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you’ve worked closely with others to enhance learning opportunities or resolve challenges. This will highlight your ability to fit into their supportive culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to professional development or how they integrate parents and the community into the learning process. This shows your genuine interest in being part of their mission and commitment to excellence.