At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support children as a SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
- Company: Join the inclusive community at Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Strong culture of collaboration with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them succeed.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, NVQ Level 3, and relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27354 - 28996 £ per year.
About Us
Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace (HPACR) is a two-form entry school situated in Penge, which is part of the London Borough of Bromley. HPACR is an inclusive academy and we want every one of our children, from Nursery to Year 6, to have a truly happy experience at school. We strive to ensure that every pupil feels valued and safe. The children’s achievements are celebrated every day in their lessons and we are proud that they are kind, caring, self-assured and eager to learn. We believe that through expert teaching and support all children can achieve to a high standard. Ultimately, our aim is to make sure that our pupils leave us feeling that they have succeeded both academically and in the extracurricular aspects of school life. We want our pupils to be thoroughly prepared for the opportunities that secondary school will offer them. HPACR is very much a community school. We know that a close partnership with parents is vital if children are to learn and grow as individuals. We therefore do all we can to keep parents informed and involved in all aspects of school life.
Summary
Inspire and transform learning with us. Support local children as a SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace, on a fixed-term contract from September 2026 to August 2027. The actual salary for this role will be £27,354.43 – £28,996.45 (37.5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year).
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Complementing the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed activities under an agreed system of supervision.
- This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning activities for individuals/groups or short term for whole classes and monitoring children and assessing, recording and reporting on their achievement, progress and development.
- The management and development of teaching within the academy and/or management of other teaching assistants including allocation and monitoring of work, appraisal and training.
- Under an agreed system of supervision, taking a lead role within the academy to address the needs of children who need particular help to overcome barriers to learning.
- Supporting children, the teacher and the academy in order to raise standards of achievement for all (e.g. SEN, EAL, More Able, all under-achieving groups).
- Encouraging children to become independent learners, providing support for their welfare, and supporting the inclusion of children in all aspects of academy life.
Qualifications & Experience
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
- NVQ Level 3, or equivalent.
- Good knowledge of a range of learning barriers, including special needs.
- Experience of contributing to and assessing provision for children with a range of needs.
- Some knowledge of some of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- At least two years’ school-based experience as a TA, or equivalent.
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.
SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant in London employer: Harris Federation
Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its staff. With a strong culture of collaboration, we offer extensive training programmes, competitive benefits including a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, and a commitment to inclusivity and safeguarding. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students in a supportive community environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can support children with special needs. We want to hear your ideas on fostering independence and overcoming learning barriers. Show us your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your experience! Bring examples of how you've helped students achieve their goals, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We love seeing real-life impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our community and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially for those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in your application. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported children with various learning barriers, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know the Academy's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the core values of Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to inclusivity and the importance they place on celebrating children's achievements. This will help you align your answers with their ethos during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience as a teaching assistant, especially in relation to supporting children with special educational needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've helped students overcome learning barriers and contributed to their development. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the academy’s approach to professional development and how they support their staff. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community and committed to your own growth within the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about past experiences where you had to adapt your teaching methods or support a child facing difficulties. Practising these scenarios can help you respond confidently and effectively.
