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- Tasks: Support pupils with complex needs and deliver pre-planned lessons in various primary settings.
- Company: Smile Education, dedicated to inclusive education across Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible part-time hours, and rewarding work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable pupils while enjoying flexibility.
- Qualifications: HLTA qualification or significant experience with challenging behaviour and Autism.
- Other info: Work in supportive teams with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 1300 - 1800 £ per month.
Location: Birmingham (various primary settings)
Working Pattern: Part-time, 3 days per week (cover-based)
Contract: Ongoing cover opportunity
Pay: Competitive daily rate (dependent on experience)
Smile Education is proud to be working with a range of inclusive primary and alternative provision settings across Birmingham who are seeking a skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviour. This is a rewarding cover-based role, ideal for an experienced HLTA who thrives in structured environments and is confident supporting pupils with SEMH, Autism and behavioural needs. You will play a key role in maintaining consistency, routine and positive behaviour across different settings.
The Role
- Deliver pre-planned lessons and interventions in the absence of the class teacher
- Provide high-level support to pupils with complex learning, emotional and behavioural needs
- Support learning across KS1 and KS2, adapting delivery to meet individual needs
- Create and maintain a calm, safe and structured learning environment
- Use positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques effectively
- Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and support staff
- Provide 1:1 and small group support where required
- Monitor and feedback on pupil progress, behaviour and wellbeing
- Promote safeguarding, inclusion and emotional wellbeing at all times
About the Settings
- Primary schools, SEMH provisions and alternative provisions across Birmingham
- Smaller class sizes with a focus on structure and consistency
- Strong emphasis on emotional regulation, positive behaviour and inclusion
- Supportive staff teams and clear behaviour policies
- Opportunities to work in a variety of specialist environments
Requirements
- HLTA qualification or significant experience working at HLTA level
- Proven experience supporting pupils with complex and challenging behaviour
- Experience with Autism and/or SEMH (minimum 6 months preferred)
- Confident leading learning and managing classrooms when covering
- Calm, resilient and professional approach
- Flexible and reliable – happy to work across different settings
- Ability to provide two references covering the past two years (one working with children)
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply through Smile Education
This is an excellent opportunity for a confident HLTA who is passionate about supporting vulnerable pupils and making a meaningful impact, while enjoying the flexibility of 3 days per week cover work across Birmingham.
Smile Education is committed to safeguarding children. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks including DBS, Prohibited List and reference checks.
HLTA Cover in Birmingham employer: Smile Education
Contact Detail:
Smile Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA Cover in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, join local teaching groups, and attend events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a HLTA role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Contact schools directly and express your interest in cover roles. A friendly email or call can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with complex needs and challenging behaviour. Bring it along to interviews or networking events to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities tailored for HLTAs like you. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll be one step closer to landing that rewarding cover role.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA Cover in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with complex needs and challenging behaviour. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experiences!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable pupils shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference, so share why this role excites you!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the HLTA role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific needs of pupils with SEMH and Autism. Brush up on strategies for managing challenging behaviour and how to create a calm learning environment. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about supporting these students.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles as an HLTA or in similar positions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully supported pupils with complex needs. This will help the interviewers see how your experience aligns with their requirements.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since this role involves working across various settings, highlight your adaptability. Share instances where you’ve successfully adjusted your approach to meet different classroom dynamics or pupil needs. This will reassure them that you can thrive in diverse environments.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the school’s approach to behaviour management and support for pupils with complex needs. This shows your interest in their methods and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
