At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead lessons and manage a team to support pupils with autism and learning difficulties.
- Company: Landon School, an Outstanding-rated specialist school in West Drayton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, internal progression, onsite parking, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a growing school with exceptional staffing ratios and genuine career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: HLTA status or Level 4 qualification with experience in special education.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The school Landon School Harmondsworth is an independent specialist day school for pupils aged 5‑19 with autism spectrum condition (ASC) and severe learning difficulties (SLD), based in West Drayton. We opened in October 2024 and received an Outstanding Ofsted rating at our first inspection in July 2025. We operate with a 1:2 staffing ratio, purpose‑built sensory and therapeutic facilities, and a genuinely collaborative staff team.
This is a substantive HLTA position, not a cover supervisory role. You will deputise for the class teacher during PPA and other absences — planning and delivering lessons, managing the TA team in class, and leading an extracurricular project of your own. Day to day, you will lead on the implementation of pupils' individual learning plans, working closely with therapists and the wider class team to drive the best possible outcomes.
This role suits an experienced TA ready to step up, or a qualified HLTA looking for a setting where the work is purposeful and the support is genuine.
What we are looking for:
- HLTA status or equivalent Level 4 qualification
- Proven experience supporting pupils with ASC and/or SLD
- Confidence leading a class team and delivering learning activities independently
- Knowledge of SEN strategies — visual timetables, AAC, sensory approaches
- Calm, consistent, and committed to high standards
Desirable:
- Team Teach training; experience with PECS, Makaton, or AAC devices
- Familiarity with safeguarding in specialist settings
What we offer:
- Competitive salary within a specialist pay scale
- Genuine opportunities for internal progression — we promote from within
- Exceptional staffing ratios that make quality practice possible
- Onsite parking and good transport links (Elizabeth line, 10 minutes)
- Company pension
- A school that has achieved Outstanding at first inspection and is growing fast
SEND HLTA / Higher Level Teaching Assistant in London employer: Landon School Harmondsworth
Landon School Harmondsworth is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of pupils with autism spectrum condition and severe learning difficulties. With a focus on professional growth, competitive salaries, and outstanding staffing ratios, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to a school that has already achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating. Located in West Drayton, the school provides excellent transport links and onsite parking, making it an ideal place for dedicated educators to develop their careers.
Contact Details:
Landon School Harmondsworth Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND HLTA / Higher Level Teaching Assistant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Landon School Harmondsworth on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with the school's approach to ASC and SLD, and think about how your experience aligns with their values and practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills during the interview! Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past, like visual timetables or sensory approaches, to support pupils effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're serious about joining the team at Landon School.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND HLTA / Higher Level Teaching Assistant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEN:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting pupils with ASC and SLD shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of HLTA. Highlight your qualifications, like your Level 4 status, and any relevant experience you have leading a class team or implementing individual learning plans.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 exciting opportunity at Landon School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Landon School Harmondsworth
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism spectrum conditions and severe learning difficulties. Familiarise yourself with the specific strategies mentioned in the job description, like visual timetables and AAC devices. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences supporting pupils with ASC and SLD. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented individual learning plans or led a team. This will help demonstrate your capability to step up into the HLTA role.
✨Be Ready to Lead
Since you'll be deputising for the class teacher, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've managed a team or delivered lessons independently. Highlight any extracurricular projects you've led, as this shows initiative and creativity.
✨Stay Calm and Committed
During the interview, convey your calm and consistent approach to teaching. Discuss how you maintain high standards in your work and how you handle challenging situations. This will resonate well with the school's commitment to quality practice and support.
