Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Southampton

Location: Shirley Junior School

Contract: 32.5 hours per week; term time only; permanent

Salary: £32,061 - £36,362 FTE (£24,208 - £27,455 actual salary)

Application deadline: 1st June 2026

Interview date: 8th June 2026

Start Date: 1st September 2026

Shirley Junior School is a vibrant, welcoming place where all children belong, achieve and thrive, in an inclusive school for children aged 7-11 in the Shirley area of Southampton. Our dedicated team works hard to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where children can develop a love of learning and achieve their full potential. All members of our school community are encouraged to be the best version of themselves, underpinned by our values: Kindness, Integrity and Respect.

Role Summary

Shirley Junior School has a vacancy for an enthusiastic and motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our staff team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and collaborative professional who can contribute to the energy and drive of our school and play a key role in supporting high-quality teaching and learning.

The successful candidate will work closely with teachers and the SENCo to complement the professional work of teaching staff by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities. This will include supporting individuals and groups of pupils with a wide range of academic, physical and emotional needs, as well as delivering whole-class learning when required using prepared lesson plans. They will be enthusiastic, energetic and able to work dynamically with the whole team, ensuring continuity, consistency and high-quality learning experiences for all pupils.

The role requires someone who is naturally positive, flexible and proactive, with a genuine passion for education and a strong commitment to teamwork and inclusion. A key aspect of this role is the ability to build and maintain strong, professional relationships with pupils, staff and families, demonstrating excellent communication, organisation and a shared commitment to pupil progress, wellbeing and safeguarding.

We Are Seeking a Professional Individual Who:

• is committed and passionate about education and supporting every child's academic achievement and personal fulfilment
• has experience of working with children in a school setting and a secure understanding of the primary curriculum
• demonstrates a naturally positive, empathetic communication style and is successful in building relationships with pupils, staff, parents and external partners
• is able to assess, monitor and record pupil progress, providing accurate feedback and contributing to planning and assessment
• can lead learning activities for individuals, groups and whole classes using teacher-prepared plans
• works collaboratively with teachers and the SENCo to support pupils with a range of academic, physical and emotional/behavioural needs
• is well organised, flexible and proactive, with the ability to prepare resources and support the delivery of engaging learning activities
• sets high expectations for behaviour and achievement and can effectively support behaviour management strategies
• demonstrates initiative and the ability to work independently when required, including responding to unexpected situations
• has the confidence and skills to support, guide and, where appropriate, supervise other Teaching Assistants
• shows a strong commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and the wellbeing of all pupils
• is committed to their own professional development and to contributing positively to the wider school community

What We Offer You:

• An opportunity to be part of a collaborative team with a shared vision of excellence
• A real career path in a thriving and respected organisation
• Flexible working approach, where possible
• Excellent training and development programmes and opportunities
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service
• Access to our benefits portal offering a full range of discounts available through Lifestyle Savings
• Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, including free confidential telephone and face to face counselling for employees and family members
• Access to financial wellbeing support through a company that provides comprehensive guidance on all things mortgage related
• Eligible for a Blue Light card

About Hamwic Education Trust

HET is fully committed to developing an outstanding workforce. We are a friendly and supportive community of professionals working hard to ensure that our schools are enabling children to grow and develop for the future. HET celebrates the uniqueness of our pupils, our staff and our schools and we aim for everyone to achieve their full potential through the pathways of opportunities available.

Application Procedure

If you wish to apply for this position, please complete an application form which can be found at the Hamwic Education Trust recruitment portal. CVs will only be accepted along with a completed application form. Please note, we may close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we have sufficient applications. Hamwic Education Trust (HET) are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of our pupils and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.