Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Inclusion in Burton upon Trent

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people. As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (Inclusion), you will play a pivotal role in supporting pupils' social, emotional, and academic development. Working closely with teachers, teaching assistants, and the pastoral team, you'll deliver targeted interventions, promote positive behaviour, and help ensure that every pupil feels valued and included.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and coach Teaching Assistants and classroom staff
• Deliver targeted interventions and personalised support for pupils, including time out of the classroom when needed
• Work with the pastoral team to develop and implement behaviour improvement strategies
• Support pupils in understanding and meeting school expectations for conduct and engagement
• Model positive behaviour management and promote emotional resilience and self-regulation
• Maintain accurate records of interventions and evaluate their effectiveness
• Provide on-call behavioural support for staff as required
• Lead self-reflection sessions and proactive interventions to reduce exclusions
• Support the SEN team with inclusion practices, EHCP reviews, and individual learning plans
• Contribute to safeguarding, personal development, and wellbeing of all pupils

Qualifications

• Be passionate about inclusion, positive behaviour, and emotional wellbeing
• Have experience mentoring or supporting colleagues in educational or care settings
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, building trust with pupils, families, and staff
• Be confident delivering interventions and using emotional coaching strategies
• Have a solid understanding of SEN, EHCP processes, and safeguarding procedures
• Be proactive, solution-focused, and able to work independently when required
• Be organised, reflective, and committed to accurate record-keeping and evidence-based practice
• Model resilience, empathy, and professionalism at all times

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, hundreds of UK and international discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Critical illness cover, Family Growth Support (enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support)

Working Hours

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance – that’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay.

Company Overview

Options Trent Acres School is an independent specialist school in rural Staffordshire for pupils with autism, trauma, attachment, anxiety, and other complex needs. We provide a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where pupils feel valued and experience a sense of belonging. Small groups, high staff ratios, and personalised programmes support social, emotional, and academic development. Integrated clinical care and strong family partnerships empower every pupil to build confidence, independence, and the skills to thrive in life. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. In 2025 Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.

Compliance and Closing

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.