At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and lead engaging lessons for pupils with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: A dedicated educational provision focused on therapeutic approaches to learning.
- Benefits: Collaborative work culture, professional development opportunities, and impactful role.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied daily tasks and strong focus on pupil wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HLTA qualification or equivalent experience in primary education.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: East London
Contract: Term Time Only
Reporting to: Deputy Headteacher
The Role
Our client is seeking a dedicated and resilient Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join their specialist therapeutic primary provision. This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a nurturing educational environment that supports pupils who have been excluded from mainstream education or are currently not attending school. The role combines supporting high-quality teaching with a strong focus on pastoral care, underpinned by therapeutic approaches to behaviour and learning.
The HLTA will play a key role in supporting the delivery of lessons, leading small group and whole-class learning where appropriate, and helping to create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where pupils can rebuild confidence and re-engage with education.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning and delivery of engaging lessons tailored to individual pupil needs
- Lead small group interventions and, where appropriate, deliver whole-class teaching
- Work closely with teachers to implement the curriculum using nurturing and therapeutic approaches
- Support differentiated learning for neurodiverse pupils and those with complex needs
- Assist in monitoring pupil progress and contributing to assessment and reporting
- Implement individual education and behaviour plans in collaboration with teachers and therapeutic staff
- Promote literacy and numeracy development through targeted support
- Use positive reinforcement and consistent behaviour strategies
- Build positive relationships with pupils to support engagement and emotional regulation
- Help maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment
- Ensure safeguarding, risk assessments, and health and safety procedures are followed
About the Pupils
Pupils within this provision often have complex needs, including neurodiversity and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. Many will have experienced disrupted education, including exclusion or prolonged absence from school. The provision focuses on rebuilding trust in education through strong relationships, consistency, and a highly personalised approach to learning.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a committed and adaptable HLTA with experience supporting children with additional needs.
Key requirements:
- HLTA qualification or equivalent experience
- Experience working in a primary school setting, ideally Key Stage 2
- Experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs and/or autism (desirable)
- Strong understanding of inclusive and differentiated support strategies
Key skills and attributes:
- Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
- A calm, consistent, and nurturing approach
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Confidence leading learning activities and supporting teaching delivery
- Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic environment
- Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
The Organisation’s Approach
Our client delivers education through a therapeutic model, combining strong pastoral care with structured, consistent approaches to learning. Their approach is built on:
- Understanding neurodiversity and attachment
- Using relationships to support recovery and engagement
- Viewing behaviour as communication
- Promoting emotional literacy and life skills
- Delivering inclusive, strengths-based education
What’s on Offer
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- A rewarding role with real impact on young people’s lives
- A varied position where no two days are the same
Safeguarding Statement
Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures.
If you feel this would be the ideal vacancy for you, then please apply below or contact our team direct and ask for John Stokes @ SENCare Recruitment. SENCare Recruitment is fully committed to the safety and welfare of children, and by applying for this vacancy, you are consenting to SENCare Recruitment Ltd storing your personal details in line with the new GDPR regulations.
Hlta employer: SENCare Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
SENCare Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hlta
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work with children with additional needs. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting pupils with SEMH needs. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role of an HLTA. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education and therapeutic approaches during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've built positive relationships with pupils or adapted lessons for diverse learning needs. This will help us see your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Hlta
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the HLTA role. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page about what’s important.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with complex needs shine through. Share specific examples of how you’ve made a difference in similar roles, as this will resonate with us and our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at SENCare Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around supporting pupils with SEMH needs and neurodiversity. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to build positive relationships with pupils and support their learning. Think about times when you've successfully implemented behaviour plans or led small group interventions, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Approach
Since the role focuses on nurturing and therapeutic approaches, be ready to discuss how you would create a safe and structured environment for pupils. Share your strategies for promoting emotional literacy and how you adapt your teaching methods to meet individual needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school's approach to education and how they support their staff. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in being part of a collaborative and supportive environment.