Teaching Assistant in Guildford

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Surrey

Permanent – Term Time Only

40 hours per week (8.15am start; early finish on Fridays)

£29,713 – £32,250 DOE especially SEN

A brand-new specialist secondary setting for young people aged 11–16, supporting pupils with Autism, social communication differences, sensory needs and emotional regulation challenges. We are now recruiting a THRIVE Practitioner / HLTA to join the team at the very beginning of its journey.

This role supports the THRIVE provision, helping students develop socially, emotionally and behaviourally so they can access learning and build confidence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the daily running of the THRIVE provision
• Use specialist skills to support pupils’ emotional and behavioural needs
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students
• Deliver 1:1, small group and class-based THRIVE sessions
• Provide creative, play-based and arts-based developmental activities
• Support assessments, action plans and accurate progress reporting
• Promote inclusive practice and maintain a calm, positive environment
• Work collaboratively with parents, teaching staff and the multi-disciplinary team
• Keep essential records, reports and THRIVE data updated
• Supervise pupils during sessions, breaks and lunchtimes
• Support and help deliver staff training to embed the THRIVE approach

📌 Essential Requirements

• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above)
• Experience working with children or young people in an educational setting
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Experience supporting SEN such as Autism, ADHD, SEMH
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour
• Strong understanding of child development
• Ability to supervise groups of pupils
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Competent ICT skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team

📌 Desirable (Not Essential)

• THRIVE training (or willingness to train)
• Team Teach / Norfolk Steps (or willingness to train)
• Experience running nurture or social skills groups
• Understanding of attachment theory
• Ability to identify and pursue your own professional development needs

🧠 Key Skills & Behaviours

• Child-focused, patient and resilient
• Creative in meeting emotional and behavioural needs
• Calm under pressure and solution-focused
• Flexible, adaptable and collaborative
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role

💼 Additional Requirements

• Eligibility to work in the UK
• Enhanced DBS with barred list check
• Willingness to participate in activities outside the school day
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and equality

🎁 What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary + welcome bonus
• Extensive training & development
• Discount platform for shopping, gyms, lifestyle
• Cycle to Work & Car scheme
• Financial wellbeing app (with early access to earnings)
• Enhanced annual leave, sick pay & pension
• 24/7 GP access for you and your household
• Health Cash Plan (dental, optical and routine treatment)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• £1,000 refer-a-friend bonus