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- Tasks: Support students with work-related learning and classroom teaching to enhance their skills.
- Company: St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, a dedicated SEN school in Cranleigh.
- Benefits: Free lunches, retention bonuses, training opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Experience as a TA or HLTA; driving license required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team on a beautiful 23-acre site.
The predicted salary is between 22715 - 30677 £ per year.
HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT (Work-Related Learning) 36 hours per week | 39 weeks per year (term time & 5 inset / CPD days) Actual salary: Qualified £27,715 - £30,677 / Unqualified: £23,999 - £26,603
Are you an experienced TA or HLTA looking to take the next step in your career?
About the Role
St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is seeking a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (Work-Related Learning) to join our dedicated team as soon as possible. This role is a unique opportunity to combine classroom-based teaching support with meaningful, practical work-related learning experiences. You will spend:
- 3 days per week within the Work-Related Learning (WRL) Team
- 2 days per week as an HLTA within our classrooms
As a member of the Work-Related Learning Department, you will support students through functional, motivational and meaningful work experiences, delivered both internally and externally. When working in class you will deliver learning, contribute to lesson planning and preparation alongside the class teacher and support high-quality educational outcomes. HLTAs also play a key role in monitoring students and mentoring Teaching Assistants.
About St Joseph’s Specialist Trust
St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is an SEN school, college, children’s home and adult supported living provision located in Cranleigh, Surrey. We support children and young people aged 5-19 with complex learning disabilities, as well as severe social communication and behavioural needs. With your compassion, resilience and guidance you will help our students learn and achieve in line with their individual needs, with a particular focus on work experiences, life skills and independence. We provide comprehensive training to ensure staff feel confident in offering boundaries, choices and, where required, safe and effective physical intervention. Some students may also require personal care to remain clean and comfortable during the school day.
Essential Requirements
- A full, valid driving license that allows you to drive a minibus. You must be over 25 years of age and have held your license for at least 2 years and be willing to pass a mini-bus drivers assessment (in line with St Joseph’s policies).
- Mental, emotional and physical resilience, with a commitment to supporting students with complex needs.
- Own transport is desirable due to our semi-rural location (there is no train station in Cranleigh).
Working Hours
During term time and inset / CPD days, working hours are:
- Monday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30 – 16:15
- Friday: 8:30 – 15:45
Plus 30 minutes per week, worked flexibly to meet operational needs. (There is a 30-minute unpaid break each day). This role is for 38 weeks of term time plus 5 CPD days.
Training & Development
We welcome applications from:
- Qualified HLTAs, and Unqualified candidates who are willing to undertake training
There are excellent opportunities for career progression with the Trust. If appointed, you will be required to complete Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of your induction (refreshed annually).
Why work at St Joseph’s?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Free lunch during term time (provided by our in-house catering team)
- Ample free onsite parking
- £1,000 retention bonus for new employees
- Life insurance and Medical Cashplan
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Regular training, supervision and 1:1 mentoring
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential wellbeing and counselling service)
- Strong organizational support, including Adult Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health
- Discounted fitness classes with Surrey Fitness Camps and Go Fest Active Studio
- Clear opportunities for promotion and career development
- A stunning 23-acre site on the edge of the Surrey Hills
How to Apply
In line with safer recruitment practices, shortlisting is based solely on a fully completed Trust application form. To request an application pack (including the application form, job profile and person specification) visit our website. Please note: we do not sponsor applicants to relocate from abroad or convert study visas into work visas.
Closing Date
The deadline for receipt of completed application forms is 8:00am on Tuesday 13th January. Selection and interviews will take place shortly thereafter and will include teaching a prepared lesson on a topic provided to our students.
Safeguarding
St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
Only applications made using our application form will be considered for shortlisting for interview. More information about the role and our safer recruitment guidelines are available on the recruitment pages of our website.
HLTA employer: St Joseph's Specialist Trust
Contact Detail:
St Joseph's Specialist Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA
✨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 demo! Since you'll need to teach a prepared lesson, rehearse it multiple times. Make sure you can deliver it confidently and engage with students effectively, as this is key to showcasing your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff if possible. They can provide insights into the school's culture and what they look for in candidates. Plus, it might give you a leg up when it comes to references!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St Joseph’s.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get familiar with St Joseph’s Specialist Trust. Understanding our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our team.
Be Specific: When filling out the application form, be sure to provide specific examples of your experience as a TA or HLTA. Highlight any relevant skills or training that align with the role, especially those related to work-related learning and supporting students with complex needs.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your application. Share why you’re passionate about supporting students with complex learning disabilities and how you can contribute to their growth and independence.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to complete the application form fully and accurately, as we only consider applications submitted through our official form. Double-check for any missing information before hitting send, and don’t forget to submit it before the deadline!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Joseph's Specialist Trust
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of work-related learning and how it integrates with classroom support. This will help you articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role.
✨Prepare for the Teaching Demonstration
Since the interview includes teaching a prepared lesson, choose a topic that showcases your strengths. Practice delivering this lesson to friends or family to gain confidence. Make sure to incorporate engaging activities that cater to different learning styles, as this reflects your ability to support diverse students.
✨Showcase Your Resilience and Compassion
During the interview, be ready to discuss situations where you've demonstrated resilience and compassion in challenging environments. Share specific examples of how you've supported students with complex needs, as this is crucial for the role at St Joseph’s Specialist Trust.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available, the team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
