New Leaf House - HLTA (KS3)

Location: Walsall

We passionately believe that every young person who attends New Leaf School should achieve excellent personal and academic progress. This is due to our nurturing and caring approach. We provide a personalised learning experience to enable students to reintegrate into a mainstream school or to transition into an appropriate educational establishment. This equips them with the skills they need to succeed in their future. Every day is a step forward, a chance to grow, an opportunity to build resilience and confidence needed to step forward into the future. We work with our young people to ensure that any barrier in their life we overcome together. This support is also extended to our young people's families who we work really hard with to support them as we know the benefits that this has on our students. At New Leaf, we welcome every young person with open hearts and open minds. Our promise is very simple to provide a safe, nurturing environment where all of our students are believed in, valued and given the opportunity to thrive.

Our Values

• Ready – Being ready means more than just having a pen or a planner, it also means being mentally prepared, emotionally supported and equipped to focus on the task at hand.
• Respectful – Respectful means recognising our own worth and the worth of others. Our students learn that respect is not just about their own behaviour, but also about the way that they treat each other and themselves when they're in a learning environment.
• Safe – That's the foundation. Feeling safe, acting safe, and making sure that others feel the same. When a young person feels safe, we know that everything else becomes possible.

Our core values underpin everything we do. We want our staff and students to be ready, respectful and safe.

About the role

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students? We are looking for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant- KS3 to join our team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To plan, prepare and deliver agreed learning activities for individuals, small groups and, where appropriate, short‑term whole class cover under the direction of a qualified teacher.
• To support high‑quality teaching and learning across KS3, adapting activities and resources to meet the needs of pupils working below age‑related expectations.
• To promote pupils’ engagement, independence, confidence and inclusion through positive relationships and consistent support.
• To implement behaviour management strategies in line with school policy and contribute to a safe, calm and purposeful learning environment.
• To support the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised learning, intervention and pastoral support programmes.
• To monitor, assess, record and report on pupil progress, attainment, behaviour and engagement, providing accurate feedback to teachers and leaders.
• To contribute to assessment and profiling systems, using observations and data to help identify next steps and appropriate support strategies.
• To contribute to the development and delivery of pastoral care, supporting pupils’ social, emotional and mental health needs.
• To liaise effectively with parents/carers, home schools and external professionals, under the direction of teaching and leadership staff, to support pupil progress and reintegration where appropriate.
• To prepare resources, organise learning environments and support the effective use of ICT to enhance teaching and learning.
• To contribute to whole‑school development and improvement activities, including implementation and review of agreed approaches and interventions.
• To support extra‑curricular, enrichment and off‑site activities where required.
• To model professional standards, maintain confidentiality, and uphold safeguarding, health and safety and statutory requirements at all times.

The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Description are indicative and may vary over time. Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and extent of the post and their level of experience.

Pay range: Grade 8 SCP 25-31

Qualifications and Skills

• HLTA status, relevant Level 4 qualification, or equivalent experience in a higher‑level classroom support role.
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy, with secure English and mathematics skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies for pupils working at different levels.
• Knowledge and understanding of behaviour management techniques, de‑escalation and trauma‑informed practice.
• Understanding of assessment, pupil progress and the use of observation and data to support learning.
• Understanding of inclusive practice, SEND and barriers to learning.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and professional boundaries.
• Ability to use ICT to support teaching, learning, recording and communication.

What can we offer you – Benefits

• Financial, Health and Lifestyle discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red).
• A comprehensive free of charge health plan (UK Health Care).
• A cycle to work scheme via Halfords.
• Access to the Blue Light Card.

For further benefits including education sector leading CPD, The Mercian Trust – what we can offer you. The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please take time to read our policies attached to this advert. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.