At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead classroom learning, support pupils, and maintain routines with confidence.
- Company: The Orchard School, where relationships and teamwork are at the heart of education.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, strong team culture, and a role with real purpose.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on consistency and positive pupil experiences.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on pupils' lives and help shape a growing school.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Teaching Assistant or HLTA status preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares. At The Orchard School, we do things differently. We are not looking for a traditional HLTA. We are looking for someone who can step into the classroom, lead learning with confidence, and create consistency for pupils who need it most.
About the Role
This is a key role within our classroom teams. As an HLTA, you will:
- Deliver planned lessons during teacher PPA
- Lead learning during short-term teacher absence
- Support pupils to stay engaged and successful
- Maintain routines, expectations and relationships
You will not be planning the curriculum. You will be delivering it with clarity, consistency and confidence.
Why This Role Matters
Our pupils need:
- Predictable adults
- Consistent routines
- Calm, confident leadership
HLTAs provide that stability. They ensure that learning continues, expectations remain high, and pupils feel safe and supported every day. We are entering an exciting phase of development following our recent inspection, with a clear focus on strengthening consistency, classroom practice and pupil experience across the school. This role is central to that work.
What Makes Us Different
At The Orchard School:
- Relationships come first
- Behaviour is understood as communication
- Staff work as a team around the child
- Classrooms are calm, structured and predictable
- Every adult uses a shared language: Ready, Respectful, Safe
Our work is guided by The Orchard Way: Trust. Belonging. Aspiration. Voice. Pride. Curiosity.
Who We Are Looking For
You may already be an HLTA. Or you may be an experienced Teaching Assistant ready to step up. HLTA status or equivalent experience is desirable. You must be confident leading learning and maintaining classroom consistency. What matters is that you:
- Can confidently lead a class when required
- Stay calm in challenging situations
- Value consistency and routine
- Build strong relationships with pupils
- Want to be part of a team that supports each other
Why Join Us
A clear and shared ethos
- Strong team culture
- Ongoing training and development
- A role with real purpose and impact
- The opportunity to shape a growing school
This is not just a support role. It is a role that strengthens learning, stability and relationships across the school. At The Orchard School, Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Kent employer: Sandwich Infant
At The Orchard School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to ongoing training and development ensures that you will have ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils. Join us in a role that not only strengthens learning but also builds lasting relationships within a community that truly cares.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see how they engage with students and staff. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your classroom management skills! Think about how you would maintain routines and expectations in a classroom setting. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led learning or supported pupils in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
During the interview, don’t just talk about your experience—show your passion for education! Share stories that highlight your ability to build strong relationships with pupils and how you’ve contributed to a positive learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining The Orchard School and being part of a team that truly cares about every pupil.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Term Time in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for education and how you connect with pupils.
Show Your Experience:Highlight any relevant experience you have, especially if you've led a class or supported learning before. We’re looking for confidence in leading learning, so give us examples that showcase your skills!
Emphasise Teamwork:At The Orchard School, we believe in strong team culture. Make sure to mention how you’ve worked collaboratively with others in the past and how you can contribute to our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand The Orchard School's values and ethos. Familiarise yourself with their focus on relationships, consistency, and calm leadership. This will help you align your answers with what they truly care about.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've led a class or supported pupils in challenging situations. Highlight how you maintained routines and built relationships, as these are key aspects of the HLTA role.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
Think of scenarios where you had to stay calm and composed in a difficult situation. Share these experiences during the interview to show that you can handle the pressures of leading a classroom effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The Orchard School values a strong team culture, so be ready to talk about how you work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues and contributed to a positive team environment.
