At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young learners and lead sessions to create an inclusive learning environment.
- Company: Join Lift Meadstead Primary, a dedicated school in Barnsley focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team committed to improving lives through education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education and help them thrive emotionally and academically.
- Qualifications: Level 4 HLTA qualification or equivalent, with experience in UK primary schools.
The predicted salary is between 20525 - 22265 £ per year.
Salary: NJC 12 - 17 £20,525 - £22,265 (Actual Salary) - £27,711 - £30,060 (FTE) well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 32.5 hours a week, (38.4 weeks per year)
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 26th June 2026
Interview date: 29th June 2026
Start date: September 2026
Join our warm and dedicated team at Lift Meadstead Primary and help shape a child's learning journey. We're looking for two experienced and passionate Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) to support young learners with the energy, creativity and commitment they deserve.
About the role
In this HLTA role, you'll work closely with our teachers to help deliver an ambitious curriculum, creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment for every child. You'll lead sessions, cover lessons, and guide pupils through key developmental stages - giving them the strongest possible start. We are ideally looking for one HLTA with KS2 experience and one with KS1 experience but both to have flexibility to work across the school as needed. An understanding of SEND is an essential part of the role.
Our HLTA's will:
- Plan and deliver small group interventions and cover whole-class sessions when required
- Support with assessment and observations to inform planning
- Encourage children's social and emotional development
- Build strong relationships with families, supporting parental involvement
- Line manage other TAs where appropriate
Requirement for the role:
- Level 4 Higher Level Teaching assistant qualified or equivalent (or working towards)
- Experienced in the UK primary school setting
- SEND intervention skills and awareness
- Motivated and passionate about supporting the youngest children within our schools to ensure the very best start in education for them.
We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, as a HLTA we require a level 5 Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent). If you don't yet hold this qualification but you do have the relevant experience and hold a level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, don't worry! We'll invest in your development by enrolling you in our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you gain the behaviours, skills and experience you need to thrive in the role.
Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. You must have the right to work in the UK.
About Lift Meadstead
Meadstead is a proud and ambitious school serving a diverse community in Barnsley. We're dedicated to creating an inspiring, inclusive learning environment where children thrive emotionally, socially and academically. We have a strong EYFS offer and are committed to ensuring every child is ready to flourish in Key Stage 1 and beyond. Our team is close-knit, committed and passionate about improving lives through education. Our recent developments in the EYFS curriculum have created exciting opportunities for a skilled HLTA to make a real impact.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is a family of 59 primary, secondary and special schools across England. Previously known as AET, we believe in education's power to transform lives - and we're building schools where every child can thrive. Project H, our multi-year school improvement plan, is at the heart of our work. It provides a structured, evidence-led approach to behaviour, curriculum and teaching, ensuring you have the tools and support to make a lasting difference.
What we offer
Working at Meadstead as part of Lift Schools means you'll benefit from:
- Clear progression pathways and ongoing professional development
- Access to excellent resources and central support services
- The chance to be part of a national network of likeminded colleagues
- A strong focus on staff wellbeing and work-life balance
- Generous pension scheme, retail discounts and more.
We warmly welcome visits to the school. To arrange one or to find out more, please get in touch with the school office - 01226 722153.
If you're excited about helping our youngest learners grow in confidence and curiosity, we'd love to hear from you. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant employer: Lift Meadstead
Lift Meadstead Primary is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, clear progression pathways, and a commitment to staff wellbeing, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners. Located in Barnsley, our close-knit team thrives on collaboration and creativity, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in their educational journey.
