Higher level teaching assistant

Salary: £27,463 – £29,982.50 actual annual salary (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Contract: Permanent, Full Time, Term Time Only

Hours: 40 hours per week

Join a brand-new specialist school opening in January 2027. We're looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our team as we prepare to open a new specialist school in January 2027. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in establishing a supportive and inspiring learning environment from the very beginning. The school will provide education for children and young people aged 5–19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. With capacity for up to 96 pupils, our aim is to create a safe, inclusive and ambitious environment where every learner is encouraged to achieve their full potential.

The Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), you will support the Class Teacher in delivering high-quality teaching and learning, while taking responsibility for teaching whole classes, small groups and individual pupils across a range of subjects when required. You will play an important role in promoting positive outcomes for pupils through engaging learning experiences and effective classroom support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead lessons and provide classroom cover in the absence of the Class Teacher.
• Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities that meet the individual needs of pupils.
• Support pupils with personal care where required while promoting independence and confidence.
• Monitor, assess and record pupils' progress, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Assist with curriculum planning, lesson preparation and the development of learning resources.
• Support the wider teaching team and act as a mentor and role model for less experienced Teaching Assistants.
• Help create a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment that enables all pupils to succeed.

About You

Essential Qualifications

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification or an equivalent Level 4 qualification.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

Essential Skills and Experience

• Experience supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Strong classroom management and behaviour support skills.
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging learning activities.
• Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Experience working within a specialist or special school setting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities and child protection procedures.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates free child protection and prevention duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.