At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs through tailored learning and pastoral care.
- Company: Dedicated SEN/SEMH school in the Reading area.
- Benefits: Ongoing professional development, competitive salary, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Full-time, term-time position starting September 2026, easily accessible location.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: HLTA qualification or relevant experience, especially with ASD, PMLD, or SLD.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
SEN HLTA Opportunity – Reading Area | September 2026 Start
Are you a passionate and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with a commitment to supporting students with additional needs? We are recruiting on behalf of a dedicated SEN/SEMH school in the Reading area seeking an enthusiastic HLTA to join their team from September 2026.
The Role
As an SEN HLTA, you will play a key role in delivering tailored learning and pastoral support to pupils with a range of complex needs, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
- Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
You will work closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team to help create a nurturing, structured, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead small group interventions and occasionally cover whole class sessions
- Support the planning and delivery of differentiated lessons
- Provide 1:1 and group support to meet individual learning and emotional needs
- Assist with behaviour management using positive, trauma-informed approaches
- Promote independence, communication, and social skills development
- Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and support staff
- Track and report on student progress
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- HLTA qualification or relevant experience at HLTA level
- Experience supporting children or young people with ASD, PMLD, and/or SLD
- A calm, patient, and adaptable approach
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- A genuine passion for inclusive education and making a difference
- Experience within an SEN or SEMH setting (highly desirable)
What’s on Offer
- A rewarding and meaningful role within a supportive school community
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- The chance to make a real impact on students’ lives and outcomes
- Competitive daily rate / salary (dependent on experience)
Location
Reading area – easily accessible by public transport and road links.
Start Date
September 2026 (full-time, term-time position)
Apply Now
If you are ready to take the next step in your SEN career and want to be part of a school that truly values its staff and students, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your CV today or contact us for more information.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
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 prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
HLTA in Reading employer: Teaching Personnel
Join a dedicated SEN/SEMH school in the Reading area, where you will be part of a supportive community that values both staff and students. With ongoing professional development opportunities and a focus on inclusive education, this role as an HLTA offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students with additional needs. Enjoy a competitive salary and a nurturing work environment that promotes collaboration and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN students. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role of an HLTA. We want you to showcase your passion and adaptability!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your unique skills during interviews! Whether it’s your experience with specific learning difficulties or your approach to behaviour management, make sure to share what makes you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that HLTA role! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in students' lives, so don’t hesitate to submit your application.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects your experience and skills that are relevant to the HLTA role. Highlight any specific work with students who have ASD, PMLD, or SLD, as this will show us you’re a great fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for inclusive education and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment for our students. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since collaboration is key in this role, mention any experiences where you’ve worked closely with teachers, therapists, or support staff. We want to see how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, and Severe Learning Difficulties. Being able to discuss specific strategies for supporting students with these needs will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists, it's crucial to highlight your teamwork experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a team to support students in the past, focusing on communication and collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
In an SEN environment, things can change quickly. Be ready to share instances where you've had to adapt your approach or lesson plans on the fly. This will illustrate your calm and patient nature, which is essential for this role.
✨Passion for Inclusive Education
Let your genuine passion for making a difference shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that have motivated you to work in inclusive education. This will resonate with the interviewers and show them that you're committed to supporting every student's learning journey.
