At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and teach pupils with SEND using innovative, therapeutic approaches.
- Company: Independent special school focused on nurturing vulnerable pupils.
- Benefits: £2000 recruitment incentive, private health benefits, and 10 paid wellbeing days.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a full driving license required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 | Contract Type: Full-time | Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 07/06/2026 Midnight | Date of Interviews: Week beginning 15th June 2026 | Shortlisting Starts: 01/06/2026
Recruitment incentive - £2000 payment upon the successful completion of probation!
- Full pension
- Private health benefits scheme
- 10 paid term-time 'wellbeing days' tagged onto beginning / ends of terms
- Annual pay rises (since we are independent of National School pay scales)
- Stability and job security
- Extremely generous 13 INSET days provided P/A
- Supportive, empathic, professional team to work with
- Therapeutic approach to pupil behaviour and SEND provision
- Small school, maximising professional nurturing of children in accordance with updated Psychological research
- Substantial paid non-contact time each week
- Additional paid individual CPD time
- Protected lunch break each day in our quiet, staff retreat area
- 24/7 Wellbeing support from the Employee Assistance Programme (including free face to face counselling and supervision sessions if desired)
- Generous budgets for resources for subject delivery, each child has a personal ICT and SEND budget
- Schemes of work and resources provided
- Staff 'thank you' events throughout the year to show our appreciation to you
- Refreshments provided throughout every day
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - 36.5 hours per week (daily unpaid 30 mins lunch break)
Directed hours: Mondays 8.30 - 5.30; Tuesdays to Fridays 8.30 - 4.00; 5 days per week, term time only; Required 1st September 2026.
We are looking for a positive, flexible, compassionate person to join our friendly team at this independent special school for 18 pupils, which opened in September 2019. We have exciting opportunities for applicants who are able to offer professional SEND teaching and therapeutic support to vulnerable pupils and wish to continually develop their own skills, knowledge and experience in SEND.
Together with the rest of the teaching and support staff team, you will be delivering a tailor‑made academic curriculum for a small group of 5‑6 pupils, and lead on one subject area, with support from the class teacher and Curriculum Lead. With training, you will deliver our therapeutic curriculum, supporting children with low‑level dysregulation and mental health needs. Lessons are at the school and activities are planned around the local area, using specialist support teams for extra‑curricular activities. Together as a staff team, you will be required to transport and accompany children to local activities. Ownership and use of a car full time, as well as a full driving license, is therefore essential. Pupils are aged between 6 and 17 years of age, main cohort usually between 10 and 17 years.
Responsibilities:
- Support and teach pupils with SEND using evidence‑based, therapeutic approaches.
- Deliver tailor‑made academic curriculum for 5‑6 pupils and lead on one subject area.
- Collaborate with class teacher and Curriculum Lead to plan and assess pupils’ progress.
- Plan and participate in therapeutic curriculum sessions for pupils with low‑level dysregulation and mental health needs.
- Transport and accompany pupils to local activities, ensuring safety and adherence to school policy.
- Maintain accurate records of pupil attendance, behavior, and progress.
- Undertake professional development and CPD hours as required.
Qualifications:
- Substantial recent school‑based experience supporting and teaching pupils with SEND.
- A qualification in at least GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
- Experience or understanding of evidence‑based therapeutic approaches.
- Valid full driving license and willing to use a car for duty.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred:
- Highly experienced Learning Support Assistants seeking progression to Higher Level Teaching Assistant status.
To support safe setting, all applications will include safeguarding checks, DBS and employment references.
HLTA / Trainee / Experienced Classroom Support in Essex employer: Shorefields
Join our independent special school, where we prioritise a supportive and nurturing work environment for our staff. With generous benefits including a £2000 recruitment incentive, extensive professional development opportunities, and a focus on wellbeing, we empower our team to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable pupils. Our small class sizes and therapeutic approach ensure that you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to a positive educational experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA / Trainee / Experienced Classroom Support in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research their values, mission, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to SEND and therapeutic approaches. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive tips and updates that can help you stand out in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA / Trainee / Experienced Classroom Support in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with SEND shine through. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in therapeutic approaches and working with vulnerable pupils, to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and how they align with what we’re looking for.
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 exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, as this role heavily focuses on supporting vulnerable pupils. Being able to discuss specific strategies or experiences will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
This position requires a positive and flexible attitude, so be prepared to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing situations. Whether it’s adjusting lesson plans on the fly or finding creative solutions for pupil engagement, demonstrating your adaptability will impress the interviewers.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Since you'll be working closely with teachers and support staff, emphasise your teamwork skills. Share instances where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in an educational setting. This will illustrate that you're not just a lone wolf but a team player who values collective success.
✨Prepare Questions About Wellbeing Support
The school offers extensive wellbeing support, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about how they implement this in practice. Asking about their approach to staff wellbeing shows that you value a supportive work environment and are keen to contribute positively to the team culture.
