At a Glance
- Tasks: Support exceptional learners and create a stimulating classroom environment.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Wilds Lodge School, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, gym membership, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong support and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, HLTA qualification or willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 20100 - 23400 £ per year.
Wilds Lodge School - Rutland
SEN/SEMH/ASD
£23,144 to £26,144 Actual Salary
Full time, Permanent and Term time only
To start: As soon as possible
Your new role
We are excited to offer the opportunity to join our wonderful school and work with our exceptional learners. We are currently recruiting for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our well established, friendly and supportive team where your input will be key in achieving positive outcomes for our young people.
The appointed person will be expected to make a real and positive impact to the lives of children who have a range of care needs (SEMH/ASD), life experiences and personalities that makes every day varied and interesting. If you have a caring nature, a natural interest in people and want to make a difference then this just might be the job for you.
Among other responsibilities the appointed person will:
- organise the classroom, its resources, learner groupings and displays, in order to provide a stimulating learning environment
- run the morning and afternoon tutor sessions
- liaise with staff to ensure specialist programmes and strategies are incorporated into the timetable so that the full needs of the learners are met and to make referrals for support and therapy where needed
- motivate and encourage learners as required by providing levels of individual attention, reassurance and help with learning tasks as appropriate to learners needs
- take responsibility for the pastoral care and support of designated learners
- liaise with teachers, parents and professionals regarding pastoral care and progress of learners
What you'll need to succeed
We are seeking people who thrive on working in a challenging but immensely rewarding environment, who are passionate about supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and who truly want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Experience of working with people with autism is not necessary, but a commitment to learning is.
You will have a broad knowledge of strategies used for working with children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) and those who have a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
Required experience/qualifications
- GCSE grade 4 (or equivalent) in both Maths and English
- HLTA Qualification (or willingness to complete)
- Knowledge, understanding and experience of Autism as well as a broad knowledge of strategies used for teaching learners with SEMH and ACS
- A valid driving licence is required
About Wilds Lodge
Wilds Lodge School is an independent 38 week specialist boarding and day provision for boys and girls (girls are accepted as day learners only) for learners aged between 5 and 19 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties, set in Empingham, Rutland. All the learners at the school have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It was established in 2007 and aims to place an equal emphasis on the educational, social and psychological development of our learners. The key to the success of the school is a strong ethos, developed by a highly experienced and capable staff, and the strength of the relationships between the staff and the learners.
We are a friendly school where staff are supportive of each other inside and outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves in ensuring all members of staff including our support staff have access to regular training. All our members of staff attend regular training on child protection; mental health and multi-agency working. All staff access a wide range of training on areas of SEN such as Autism, attachment and ADHD.
Benefits package for HLTA
- £23,144.05 per annum, plus £3,000 HLTA responsibility payment per annum. This is the actual salary for working term time only
- Hours: 40 hours a week, 8.30am - 4.30pm (term time only)
As a valued employee of Wilds Lodge, you will also receive:
- Free onsite parking
- Free refreshments and meals whilst on duty
- Company events
- Gym membership
- Access to an employee assistance programme
- Group life cover 2 x salary from day 1
- Excellent CPD packages, paid induction training and opportunities for part funding of further training including HLTA, Master Degrees and Teacher Training
- Excellent promotion and career progression
- Sick pay
- 3 days off paid for dependants sickness
- Enhanced paid family friendly leave
How to apply:
For more information and a full application pack, please contact Mike Sherwin on the below details:
E:
T: (phone number removed)
Closing date for applications: 9am Wednesday 7th January 2026
Interview date: TBC
Strong applications may be considered upon receipt. The 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 following is expected of all staff: All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&Cs, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed).
HLTA employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Join a supportive and well-established SEN school in Dudley, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional needs. With a focus on professional development and a collaborative work culture, this long-term supply role offers stability and competitive pay, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally. Experience the rewarding environment of a dedicated team committed to fostering growth and learning for all students.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Wilds Lodge School and understand their ethos, values, and the specific needs of their learners. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about real-life examples of how you've supported learners in the past. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used for children with SEMH and ASD, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our supportive team at Wilds Lodge School.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for working with young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of HLTA. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the job description, particularly around SEMH and ASD. We love seeing how you can fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Wilds Lodge School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEMH and ASD strategies. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the learners at Wilds Lodge School, as this will show your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Show Your Caring Nature
During the interview, highlight your passion for supporting young people. Share personal experiences or examples that demonstrate your caring nature and how you've made a difference in someone's life.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask about the role and the school environment. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team effectively.
✨Practice Classroom Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle various classroom situations, especially those involving learners with SEMH and ASD. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your approach and reassure the interviewers of your capability.
