Senior SEN Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Term-Time Role in Manchester

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant/Teaching Assistant Level 4 (SEN) to join the fantastic team at Prospect House Primary Specialist School. This is a fixed‑term post for one academic year, working 35 hours per week during term time plus 5 INSET days. The starting salary is £28,507, with the full‑time equivalent at £33,143 (Grade 6). The post starts on 1st September 2026.

Qualifications

Applicants should have extensive experience supporting children and young people with social, emotional, behavioural difficulties, communication challenges, and severe, profound or complex learning needs. They should have proven experience planning and leading teaching and learning activities, and strong skills in addressing diverse pupil needs. Competence requires numeracy and literacy skills to level 2 (GCSE grades 9 to 4/A*‑C) or equivalent, and an NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or experience.

Main Purpose of the Job

To complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities across the school. This includes planning, preparing and delivering learning programmes and support to individual students, small groups and whole classes. Under the guidance of a teacher, provide support in addressing the needs of pupils who require particular help to overcome learning barriers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide cover for whole classes, e.g. for short‑term teacher absence. During cover periods, conduct planning, preparation, assessment and reporting.
• Assess student needs and use specialist skills to support learning.
• Establish productive working relationships with students, acting as a role model and responding appropriately to individual needs.
• Encourage student interaction and collaborative work, engaging all students in activities.
• Assist teachers in developing and implementing individual Education/Behaviour/Support/Mentoring plans.
• Participate in comprehensive assessment of students to determine help needs, providing objective and accurate feedback and reports on student achievement, progress and other matters.
• Record and provide feedback on progress and achievement, behaviour and attendance systematically, providing evidence of a range and level of progress and attainment.
• Implement agreed learning activities and teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to student responses and specific needs, including assessment to maximise student access to the curriculum within an inclusive setting.

Benefits

• High quality CPD for all roles.
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan – annual cash back allowance.
• Generous Pension Contribution – over 26% for teachers and over 15% for support staff.
• Good holidays for teachers as per the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non‑teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years’ service.
• Cyclescheme – save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free.
• Employee Assistance Programmes – access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines.
• Credit Union – regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans.
• Flexible working options.
• Mental Health First Aid in every school.
• Blue Light Card – discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones and many more.
• bYond cashback card – spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for everyday purchases.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not provided. All pre‑employment checks, including references, must be satisfactory. Candidates barred from regulated activity involving children must not apply. Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.