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- Tasks: Teach and inspire primary-age children through the Forest School curriculum.
- Company: Outstanding primary school with a commitment to excellence and community values.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, wellbeing cash plan, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, HLTA qualification, and experience with Forest School sessions.
The predicted salary is between 27354 - 28575 £ per year.
About Us
We are a 3 form entry primary school from Reception to Year 6, which also includes a 52 place Nursery. Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred (HPACH) was judged outstanding in every category in our March 2025 Ofsted inspection. We work very closely together and share the best practice and leadership knowledge to make the education outstanding. Our shared belief is that children thrive when they feel consistently happy and safe at school and our commitment to excellence is encapsulated in our vision statement: "Excellence, Every child, Every day." Our core values of Community, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility and Kindness underpin everything we do.
Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for the Forest School. Salary £27,354.43-£28,575.22 (38 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week). We will also consider applications for four days per week (actual salary £21,883.54-£22,860.18).
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Teaching primary‑age children, including those with SEN, the Forest School curriculum.
- Planning, preparing, delivering and assessing a range of CPD lessons, PPA cover, extra‑curricular club sessions and other related programmes, all designed to enhance the school's Forest School Provision.
- Ensuring all equipment associated with the Forest School session is correctly set up, maintained, stored and returned on completion of the Forest School session.
- Establishing constructive relationships and communicating with external agencies as required.
- Leading agreed enrichment activities.
Qualifications & Experience
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths – Grade C or above.
- HLTA qualification.
- Experience of delivering Forest School sessions to young people aged between 5 and 11 in a school environment.
- Knowledge of the Level 3 Forest School Qualification and ability to deliver the Forest School curriculum throughout.
- Ability to encourage and inspire young people through the Forest School provision.
Benefits
In addition to opportunities for career development and progression, we offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal Opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email or call to arrange a conversation. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.
Next Steps
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
Forest School HLTA in Grays employer: Opportunitiesthe Harris Federation
Contact Detail:
Opportunitiesthe Harris Federation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest School HLTA in Grays
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Harris Primary Academy Chafford Hundred and its values. When you understand their commitment to excellence and community, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can give you insider tips about the school culture and what they value in candidates, which can really help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in delivering Forest School sessions. Be ready to discuss how you inspire and engage young learners, especially those with SEN.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at HPACH. So, get that application in ASAP!
We think you need these skills to ace Forest School HLTA in Grays
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack: Before you dive into your application, make sure to download and read the Job Pack. It’s packed with all the juicy details about the role and what we’re looking for, which will help you tailor your application perfectly.
Show Your Passion for Forest School: We want to see your enthusiasm for the Forest School curriculum! Share your experiences and how you’ve inspired young people in similar settings. Let your passion shine through in your written application!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have, especially working with primary-age children or delivering Forest School sessions. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and mission.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers website! It’s the only way we accept applications, and it ensures that your application gets to us safely and quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Opportunitiesthe Harris Federation
✨Know the Forest School Curriculum
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Forest School curriculum and how it applies to primary-age children. Brush up on your knowledge of the Level 3 Forest School Qualification, as this will show your commitment and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience delivering Forest School sessions, especially with children aged 5 to 11. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to inspire and engage young learners, particularly those with SEN.
✨Emphasise Core Values
Familiarise yourself with the school’s core values: Community, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness. Be ready to explain how you embody these values in your teaching approach and how they influence your interactions with students and colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the school’s vision. This not only shows your genuine interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the school’s environment aligns with your teaching philosophy and values.