At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with special needs and enhance their learning experience.
- Company: Join a community-focused academy dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a strong culture of collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive.
- 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 underachieving 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
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- 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.
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. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant - London employer: Harris Federation
Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional development and well-being of its staff, offering a collaborative work culture and extensive training opportunities. Located in the vibrant community of Penge, London, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported in their role as they inspire and transform the lives of our students. With competitive benefits, including a performance bonus and a comprehensive pension scheme, joining our team means being part of a dedicated community committed to making a positive impact on children's education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant - London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace. Familiarise yourself with the environment and maybe even chat with some staff or students. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you connect during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you can demonstrate your experience with SEN and how you’ve supported children in overcoming learning barriers. We want to hear real examples that showcase your skills and passion for helping kids succeed.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you’re in the interview, let your passion for education shine through. Talk about why you love working with children and how you can contribute to making their school experience amazing. We’re looking for someone who’s as excited about this role as we are!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re keen on the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in joining our community!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack:Before you dive into your application, make sure to download and read the Job Pack. It’s packed with all the details about the role and what we’re looking for, which will help you tailor your application to stand out.
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and transform learning, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to helping students succeed.
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Whether it’s working with SEN students or managing classroom activities, concrete examples will make your application more compelling.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! It’s the only way we accept applications, and it ensures that your application gets to the right place quickly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand the core values and mission of Harris Primary Academy Crystal Palace. This will help you align your answers with their ethos, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving children with special educational needs. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully supported students facing learning barriers, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, collaboration is key. Be prepared to talk about how you've worked with teachers and other staff in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to a team effort to improve student outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to professional development or how they support their staff. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in growing within the community.
