At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs through engaging learning activities and interventions.
- Company: Join a caring specialist SEMH school dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health plans, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with excellent career growth and a focus on inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HLTA status or relevant experience with children having SEMH needs.
The predicted salary is between 20866 - 22987 £ per year.
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
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant Outdoor Education
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Portland School just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Portland School. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant Outdoor Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Teaching Assistant Outdoor Education role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Portland School, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portland School
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Portland School, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Portland School, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
