Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Secondary

This pivotal role is designed to support teachers and mentor other teaching assistants, ensuring the highest standards of care, learning, and development for our pupils. You will play a key role in guiding new staff through comprehensive induction and training, creating ongoing professional development plans, and leading by example in behaviour management and positive interventions.

You will contribute to lesson planning and preparation, create engaging learning resources, and provide both in‑class and out‑of‑class support tailored to the needs of our autistic pupils. Under the teacher\’s direction, you may also deliver lessons and cover teacher absences when required.

A core focus of this role is to uphold the school\’s commitment to the learning, well‑being, and safeguarding of all young people, ensuring accurate recording and reporting of pupil progress and outcomes across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Mentor, train, and guide teaching assistants to develop their skills and confidence
• Lead by example in behaviour management using proactive, solution‑focused approaches
• Support lesson preparation, resource creation, and learning activities aligned with lesson plans
• Deliver lessons under teacher direction and cover teacher absences when necessary
• Contribute to the recording, reporting, and monitoring of pupil progress
• Support the personal development, safeguarding, and well‑being of pupils

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in an SEN/ASC environment (highly desirable)
• Level 2 functional skills in Maths and English or equivalent
• Further education or qualifications in a relevant field (desirable)
• Excellent communication, organisational, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to the needs of pupils and the school

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic pupils and to contribute to a supportive and collaborative school environment.

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance – and we\’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full‑time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW – and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG. Ryecroft School is an independent day school in Walsall, providing specialist education for autistic children and young people aged 4‑18 years.

We focus on meeting the unique learning needs of autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours that may present as a result of their diagnoses. Our new school, which opened in September 2024, has a capacity for 60 pupils and is designed to support learners with autism and complex needs in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment.

Ryecroft School is located in Walsall, a vibrant market town in the West Midlands. The school is well connected, situated just 9 miles north‑west of Birmingham, 7 miles east of Wolverhampton, and 9 miles from Lichfield, offering easy access for families across the region.

For over 16 years Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why Join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to 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.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• \”Your Wellbeing Matters\” – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• And a market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.