Higher level Teaching Assistant

The Headteacher and Governors of Orchard Infant School are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, highly motivated and hardworking HLTA who is interested in working closely and liaising with teachers across school. The successful candidate will be required to work in classes across Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 covering PPA time, Leadership and Management time, planned release of teachers to attend training/courses and any short term absences of staff. The successful candidate will also be involved in the delivery of intervention for specific groups of children across school. The successful candidate will work as part of our dedicated, supportive team.

This vacancy offers a maximum of 27.75 hours a week but for the right candidate, the Headteacher is happy to consider requests for fewer hours if this is more suitable for personal circumstances.

We are looking for:

• Someone who has undertaken relevant training that endorses their ability to cover classes and support children’s learning (e.g. level 3 / HLTA status)
• Someone with previous experience of covering classes across Foundation Stage and/or Key Stage 1
• Particular interest and expertise within the Early Years / KS1
• Previous experience of delivering intervention
• A good understanding of the appropriate curriculum for Foundation Stage and KS1 and an ability to use this knowledge to plan effectively in order to impact on children’s learning
• An ability to adapt teaching in response to children’s learning and emerging needs
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of achievement for all of our children
• Ability to engage and motivate children
• Ability to support children with a variety of needs (e.g. medical, behavioural, SEN)
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to relate well to children and adults
• Ability to work as part of a close team
• Ability to reflect on practice and respond to feedback
• A commitment to personal and professional development and a willingness to disseminate any training to others

In return, the school can offer:

• Children who are eager to learn and have positive attitudes to all aspects of school life
• A friendly, hard-working staff who are able to offer support and guidance
• Some contact flexibility in order to meet personal circumstances (e.g. number of hours to be worked each week)
• Opportunities for professional development

The position is term time only with an additional 4 days to attend training days built into the contract. Hours worked during the week include weekly attendance at a half hour planning meeting with year group colleagues.

Information about the school is available on the school website and can be accessed via www.orchardinfants.wordpress.com. Visits to the school are welcomed and can be arranged by ringing the school office on 01302 853655.

Closing date: Wednesday, 25th November 2026 at noon

Shortlisting: Thursday 26th November 2026

Interviews: Wednesday 2nd December to Friday 4th December 2026

Orchard Infant School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants will undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS certificate; the role is engaged in regulated activity and will therefore require a children’s barred list check. Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a self-disclosure and online checks will be undertaken by the school as part of the screening process.