At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with Special Educational Needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Abbey Gardens School, part of Acorn Education, dedicated to inclusive learning.
- Benefits: Life assurance, pension scheme, mental health support, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, experience with children, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a brand-new specialist school opening in April 2026.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 ÂŁ per year.
Abbey Gardens School is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our dedicated team supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs. This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, promoting independence, and helping young people thrive both academically and personally.
As an HLTA, you will work as part of an integrated, multi-disciplinary team to support the education, care, and development of pupils with SEN.
- Build positive, trusting, and consistent relationships with pupils
- Contribute to pupil planning, reviews, and progress reporting
- Create engaging learning opportunities, including practical and outdoor learning through horticulture
- Support pupils during transitions, breaktimes, and lunchtimes
- Uphold confidentiality, safeguarding, and child protection responsibilities at all times
We’re looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic, and resilient HLTA who is passionate about supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and helping them reach their full potential.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
- A full UK Driving Licence
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEN or educational setting
- The ability to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Confident communication skills to work effectively with pupils, families, and professionals
- A proactive, flexible approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and equality of opportunity
If you’re motivated, caring, and ready for a role where your skills truly matter, Abbey Gardens School would love to hear from you.
Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, opening in April 2026. The school will provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for pupils with SEMH needs. Designed for young people aged 11–18, Abbey Gardens will offer personalised support to help every learner thrive. This exciting new provision is committed to building confidence, resilience, and positive futures.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- 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, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - SEN School in Bury employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant - SEN School in Bury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN and teaching. We recommend role-playing with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported children with special educational needs in the past. This will help you stand out as a dedicated candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant - SEN School in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with children or in educational settings. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your skills and experiences effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Abbey Gardens School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) before the interview. Understand the different types of needs and how they affect learning. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to support pupils effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Examples
During the interview, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've built positive relationships with children in the past. Think about times when you’ve helped a child overcome challenges or supported their independence. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with pupils.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, highlight your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in an educational setting. This will show that you can work well with colleagues and contribute to a supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the school's approach to supporting SEN pupils or how they foster a nurturing environment. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.