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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with complex needs to thrive in mainstream education.
- Company: Join Jane Austen College, a flagship school with an Outstanding Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Generous leave, health plan, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community dedicated to transforming education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English, NVQ 2 in teaching assistance, and experience with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 25120 - 27249 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,120 to £27,249 pro‑rata per annum (Actual) (£28,598 - £31,022 full time/full year equivalent)
Working Weeks: 39 weeks
Start Date: June 2026
What You’ll Be Doing
- Working with pupils with complex needs including behaviour, SEND (Special Education Needs), mental health, social and emotional needs, and those for whom English is not their first language to ensure they can thrive in mainstream education.
- Providing support with personal and social development; delivering academic and needs‑based sessions that help pupils to build the self‑esteem, skills, and the aspirations they need to successfully engage with mainstream education.
- Working with pupils in a variety of formats; group work, classroom and one‑to‑one and covering a whole class when required.
- Providing academic and pastoral support for pupils as required.
- Assessing pupil needs.
- Serving as an additional point of contact for parents relating to academic and pastoral issues.
- Supporting the other Designated Safeguarding Leads with aspects of safeguarding and welfare.
About You
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and inspiring practitioner who is patient and adaptable with strong communication skills. You will support both teachers and pupils effectively by understanding learning needs, managing behaviour, and fostering a positive environment through proactive help and continuous learning. You will also be passionate about raising achievement through motivating and inspiring pupils and keen to contribute to the school’s visions and values.
Essential
- Excellent numeracy/literacy skills/GCSE (or equivalent NVQ 2 level) Maths and English.
- NVQ 2 or equivalent in teaching assistance or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working in roles that expect a high level of contact with parents or members of the public, and experience liaising with different stakeholders.
- Experience of working with vulnerable young people with SEND.
- Good ICT skills.
Desirable
- Relevant level 3 or 4 qualification.
- Qualifications in assessing SEND (e.g. CCET or equivalent) will be desirable. If you do not have this qualification, it would be useful if you would be willing to achieve this.
- First Aid qualification.
We offer
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions.
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim‑back options for healthcare costs.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary‑sacrifice options (including home technology).
- Free parking at most sites.
- Personalised CPD and development programmes.
- A structured and specific induction programme.
About Us
Jane Austen College opened in 2014 as a flagship free school of the Inspiration Trust, with a focus on English and Humanities. Since then, it has grown from serving just two‑year groups to become a full school of over 1,000 pupils. In May 2024, the college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all inspection areas, including leadership, behaviour and sixth form provision. Inspectors noted that pupils benefit from “exceptional academic education, excellent pastoral support and a character curriculum building life skills to see them succeed in progressing to some of the top universities in the country and into prosperous careers.” The college prides itself on ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or disadvantage, have access to powerful knowledge and transformative extracurricular experiences, as well as strong mental health and wellbeing support. We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding. The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (Norwich) employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (Norwich)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Jane Austen College or similar schools. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting pupils with SEND. We want to show how our experience aligns with their needs, so let’s get those answers polished!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our passion for education! During the interview, share specific examples of how we’ve motivated and inspired pupils in the past. It’s all about making that connection with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Jane Austen College.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (Norwich)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with complex needs shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate students, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion for education.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the HLTA role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'SEND' and 'behaviour management', to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to showcase your experience working with vulnerable young people and your ability to liaise with parents and stakeholders. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission to support all pupils, so be specific about your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with SEND and how to support their learning. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding practices, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with vulnerable young people, especially those with complex needs. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, whether through one-to-one support or group work. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about the school's approach to supporting pupils with SEND and how they foster a positive learning environment. This shows your genuine interest in the school’s values and mission.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think about how you would handle challenging behaviour or support a pupil struggling with their studies. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.