Teaching Assistant Outdoor Education in Longton

We are seeking to appoint 3 motivated, resilient, and caring Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA) to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school, Portland School, with sites at Trent Vale and Blythe Bridge. This role supports young people with additional social, emotional, and mental health needs to achieve success academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver learning activities and interventions to individuals and small groups
• Support teaching and learning across a range of subjects and vocational areas
• Assist with planning, preparation, and assessment activities
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and engagement in learning
• Provide classroom cover when required
• Support students with SEMH needs through nurturing and consistent approaches
• Contribute to the development of personalised learning and support strategies
• Work collaboratively with staff, parents/carers, and external agencies

Ideal Candidate

• Hold HLTA status or have relevant qualifications and experience
• Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, SEND, or challenging behaviour
• Be patient, adaptable, and resilient
• Have strong behaviour management and communication skills
• Be able to build positive relationships and motivate students
• Be committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners

Employee Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Generous holiday entitlement from first day (37 days rising to 39 days after 5 years service including Bank Holidays)
• Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan
• Free Discount for Teachers Scheme
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to the Institute of Education and professional development opportunities

Salary and Working Hours

Actual Salary: £20,866-£22,987
Working hours: 32.5 hours per week