At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a neurodivergent child through play and real-life experiences.
- Company: Integra Education, dedicated to emotional wellbeing and innovative learning.
- Benefits: Up to £25 per hour, flexible hours, and meaningful work.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on connection and trust.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life with a compassionate approach.
- Qualifications: Experience with neurodivergent children is a plus, but personal qualities matter most.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 52000 £ per year.
Specialist HLTA / Learning & Wellbeing Mentor Neuroaffirming, Relationship-Based Support Role
Hours: Up to 32.5 hours per week, Term Time Only
Pay: Up to £25 per hour (depending on experience and suitability)
Location: Westbourne, West Sussex
About the Role
We are seeking a compassionate, energetic and emotionally intelligent individual to support a neurodivergent child accessing an alternative educational pathway. This is not a traditional school-based HLTA role. The child experiences significant anxiety linked to their neurodevelopmental profile and requires a highly individualised, low-demand and relationship-led approach. Traditional behaviour management, compliance-based strategies and task-focused support are not appropriate.
Instead, we are looking for someone who can build trust, support emotional regulation and facilitate learning through play, interests, community experiences and everyday life opportunities. The successful candidate will understand that emotional wellbeing and regulation come before academic demands, and that meaningful progress may look very different from traditional educational outcomes.
What the Role Involves
- Build a trusting, consistent relationship with the child.
- Support emotional regulation through co-regulation and responsive interactions.
- Facilitate learning through play, interests and real-life experiences.
- Support community access and outdoor learning opportunities.
- Recognise and record incidental learning.
- Adapt plans flexibly according to the child's needs.
- Work collaboratively with parents, therapists and other professionals.
- Promote confidence, communication, wellbeing and engagement.
This role is centred on connection, trust and emotional safety rather than behaviour management or task completion.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Understands autism and PDA-informed practice.
- Is calm, patient and emotionally regulated.
- Can work in a low-demand, neuroaffirming way.
- Does not take rejection or avoidance personally.
- Can build trust gradually and respectfully.
- Is physically active and comfortable engaging in floor play, climbing, soft play and outdoor activities.
- Is able to work independently and use initiative.
- Has strong observation and reflective skills.
- Is comfortable receiving guidance from multidisciplinary professionals.
- Holds a driving licence and has access to a vehicle.
- Is a non-smoker and comfortable around dogs.
- Holds, or is willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS check.
Desirable Experience
Experience in any of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Supporting autistic children.
- PDA-informed practice.
- Children with significant anxiety.
- EOTAS, EBSA or alternative provision.
- Sensory-based approaches.
- Outdoor and community-based learning.
- Therapeutic or care-based roles.
- Working alongside therapists and multidisciplinary teams.
Lived experience of autism, ADHD, PDA or wider neurodivergence is highly valued.
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate will be:
- Warm and approachable.
- Playful and engaging.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Reliable and consistent.
- Reflective and open to learning.
- Non-judgemental and empathetic.
- Resilient and able to remain calm during challenging moments.
- Comfortable following the child's lead and adapting plans in the moment.
The Right Person
We are looking for someone who can become:
- A trusted adult.
- A safe person.
- A co-regulator.
- A play partner.
- A learning companion.
- A facilitator of meaningful experiences and community access.
Qualifications are welcome, but personal qualities, values, lived experience and the ability to build genuine relationships are just as important. If you believe that connection, trust and emotional safety are the foundations of learning, we would love to hear from you.
Integra Education is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring disclosure. Integra People promote equal opportunities and diversity for employees, workers, and applicants. We follow GDPR laws to ensure the protection and privacy of your data.
HLTA employer: Integra People
Integra Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises emotional wellbeing and personal growth, offering a unique opportunity to work in a supportive, neuroaffirming environment in Westbourne, West Sussex. With a focus on building meaningful relationships and facilitating learning through play, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while making a significant impact on the lives of neurodivergent children. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, valuing personal qualities and lived experiences, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on their values and mission. This way, you can tailor your responses to show how you fit right in with their vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are with your answers, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you're chatting with the interviewer, let your enthusiasm for the role and working with neurodivergent children come through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you're genuinely interested in the position and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and how they relate to the role. Authenticity is key!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your understanding of neurodiversity and emotional wellbeing. Show us how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of the child you'll be supporting.
Show Your Passion:We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about supporting neurodivergent children. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe and engaging learning environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Integra People
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what this HLTA role entails. Familiarise yourself with neurodivergent practices and how emotional wellbeing plays a crucial part in learning. This will help you articulate your thoughts and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting the child.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've built trusting relationships in the past. Highlight your ability to remain calm and patient, especially in challenging situations. This role is all about connection, so demonstrating your empathetic nature will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like supporting a child experiencing anxiety. Think about your approach to co-regulation and how you can adapt plans flexibly. Practising these scenarios beforehand will help you respond confidently.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the child’s needs. Inquire about the team you'll be working with or how they measure progress in a non-traditional educational setting. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you’re invested in making a difference.
