At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in a café setting, promoting learning and independence.
- Company: St Joseph's Specialist Trust, a unique educational environment.
- Benefits: Free lunch, retention bonuses, ongoing training, and career progression.
- Other info: Beautiful location with strong support networks and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a TA or HLTA; compassion and resilience are key.
The predicted salary is between 27715 - 30677 £ per year.
The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Reserve (Café Intervention)
36 hours per week, 39 weeks (term time plus 5 inset days)
Salary:
- Qualified HLTA: £27,715 - £30,677 (FTE £33,210 - £36,760)
- Unqualified: £23,999 - £26,603 (FTE £28,758 - £31,878)
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant or HLTA looking for a rewarding new role? St Joseph's Specialist Trust is a unique setting comprising a special school, college, children's home and adult support living provision, located in Cranleigh, Surrey, midway between Guildford and Horsham.
We are seeking a Café-based Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Reserve) to join our team as soon as possible. This is a permanent position where you will support student learning through meaningful, functional and motivational work experience within our on-site café.
As an HLTA Reserve, you will also monitor student progress and mentor Teaching Assistants, playing a key role in both learning delivery and team support.
About the role
You will support students aged 5-19 with complex learning disabilities and significant social communication and behavioural needs. Through your compassion, structure and guidance, you will help students achieve outcomes aligned to their individual needs.
Your role will include:
- Promoting teaching, learning and engagement in work-related learning and work experience
- Supporting students to develop transferrable workplace skills, independence and self-confidence
- Delivering delegated learning activities that challenge and motivate learners
- Supporting café operations, including:
- Collating orders
- Managing student shift rotas
- Assisting the Café Manager with daily kitchen tasks
As a HLTA Reserve, you will complement the professional work of teachers by:
- Contributing to lesson planning and preparation
- Delivering learning to individuals, small groups or whole classes
- Providing emergency cover for short-term, unplanned teacher absence.
Supporting our students can be both incredibly rewarding and, at times, challenging. Students may experience frustration, anxiety or heightened emotions.
We will equip you with the skills and confidence to:
- Provide clear boundaries and structured choices
- Support emotional regulation
- Use safe and effective physical intervention strategies where required
Some students may also require personal care. Emotional, mental and physical resilience are essential, and in return we offer strong support and opportunities to develop your career.
Working Hours
During term time and inset days:
- Monday: 8:30 – 4pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30am – 4:15pm
- Friday: 8:30am – 3:45pm
Plus, an additional 30 minutes per week (worked flexibly to meet operational needs) and a 30-minute unpaid break each day. This role is for 38 weeks term time plus 5 CPD days.
About you
We welcome applications from:
- Qualified HLTAs
- Experienced TAs ready to undertake HLTA training
- Own transport is desirable due to our semi-rural location (Cranleigh does not have a train station).
Why join St Joseph's?
- Free lunch provided by our in-house catering team during term time
- Ample free onsite parking
- £1,000 retention bonus for new employees
- £250 after 1 month
- £250 after 1 year
- £500 after 18 months
- Life insurance and Medical Cashplan
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Ongoing training, supervision and 1:1 mentoring
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential wellbeing and counselling support)
- Strong internal support network, including Adult Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health
- Discounted fitness classes with Surrey Fitness Camps and Go Fest Active Studio
- Clear opportunities for career progression and promotion
- A beautiful 23-acre site on the edge of the Surrey Hills
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for St Joseph's Specialist Trust, please do not hesitate to apply.
Closing Date: 22 April, 2026
Interviews will follow shortly after and will include delivering a prepared lesson on a topic provided. If successful, you will be required to complete Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of your induction prior to employment.
Safeguarding Statement
St Joseph's Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant employer: St Joseph's Specialist Trust
St Joseph's Specialist Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for Higher Level Teaching Assistants. With a focus on employee wellbeing, we provide free lunches, ample parking, and a comprehensive induction programme, alongside clear pathways for career progression. Our beautiful 23-acre site in Cranleigh, Surrey, enhances the work experience, making it a truly rewarding place to contribute to the lives of students with complex needs.
Contact Details:
St Joseph's Specialist Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Joseph's Specialist Trust and understand their values and mission. 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
Practice your teaching skills! Since you'll need to deliver a prepared lesson, grab a friend or family member and run through your lesson plan. This will boost your confidence and help you refine your delivery style.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If you can, reach out to people who work at St Joseph's. They can give you insider tips on what the interviewers are looking for and what it's really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St Joseph's. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you can specifically contribute to our café-based HLTA role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for supporting students with complex needs!
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to include examples of your previous work as a Teaching Assistant or HLTA. We love to see real-life experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage and support students effectively.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application! We’re looking for someone who is compassionate and resilient, so share your genuine motivations for wanting to join our team at St Joseph's Specialist Trust.
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Joseph's Specialist Trust
✨Know Your Students
Before the interview, take some time to understand the specific needs of the students you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by those with complex learning disabilities and think about how you can support their emotional and educational needs.
✨Prepare a Lesson Plan
Since you'll need to deliver a prepared lesson during the interview, make sure to create a clear and engaging lesson plan. Focus on how you can promote engagement and learning through practical activities that align with the café setting.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
Working with students who have significant social communication and behavioural needs can be challenging. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your emotional, mental, and physical resilience in similar situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the support systems in place for staff and students, as well as opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
