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- Tasks: Support teachers and lead lessons in a new SEND Secondary School.
- Company: Join The Aurora Group, dedicated to creating a nurturing environment for autistic students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training opportunities, and perks like discounts and health cashback.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working with a supportive clinical team.
- Qualifications: A good level of education, empathy, and a passion for supporting neurodivergent students are essential.
- Other info: Be part of building a new school culture that prioritises student wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 29000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Higher Level Teaching Assistant role at The Aurora Group.
HLTA in a new SEN provision
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Actual Annual Salary: £26,390 - £28,821 dependant on qualifications and experience (hourly rate £14.77 - £16.13)
Start Date: September 2025
Aurora Vincent House School is opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 2025 for young autistic people aged 11-16. Most of our students are working at around age expectations though may have gaps in their learning due to EBSNA. We provide a calm, safe and nurturing environment for our mixed cohort of girls and boys.
The HLTA role is varied and includes working alongside therapy and teaching colleagues across a range of subjects and activities. This means you may support a teacher with some lessons as well as leading other lessons to provide some PPA cover or for teacher absence. This gives you the opportunity to teach a range of skills and knowledge within the framework of an exciting curriculum that has adapted the National Curriculum with a personalised learning approach. Cover lessons that are planned for you may include content at GCSE level.
This is an excellent career opportunity for someone who wishes to have significant training opportunities and to collaborate closely with in-house therapists and clinicians. It requires a focus on establishing strong relationships with students, prioritising their wellbeing above all else.
Our school works on a model of integrated therapy which means you also deliver strategies and interventions given by the clinical team with support from the SENCO. You will support or lead the learning. Additionally, you will be involved in giving regular feedback to parents and other professionals.
Our students will have access to an enrichment curriculum that will include a range of outdoor activities, sports including swimming, visits, and community projects. We welcome applicants who are also enthusiastic to support these activities as well as class-based learning.
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Aurora Vincent House School when required.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
- A strong interest in therapeutic approaches and an interest in psychology
- Effective experience working with young people especially those with SEND OR clear potential to learn quickly
- Resourcefulness, resilience and a growth mindset
- A good level of education.
Candidates must:
- Have a good level of written and verbal English and general education as well as IT skills in order to support our students’ learning plus GCSE pass C or above (or 4 in new GCSE system) in English and Maths.
- Have the empathy and resilience to work with young people some of whom may experience high anxiety and may exhibit self-harming behaviours, ARFID and disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
- Be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner, requiring continuous engagement in learning and a genuine belief in a neuro-affirmative approach.
- Be outstanding in their pastoral and safeguarding practice.
We offer:
- Small classes with the opportunity to establish strong relationships with all students.
- The time, support and training for you to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of all students.
- The chance to work with, and learn from, an onsite clinical team including a Clinical Psychologist, OT and SaLT.
- Opportunities to be involved in research that will support our students and the wider neurodivergent community both in terms of education and mental health.
- A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families within the community.
- A unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.
Our priority is appointing a person with the right mindset, potential and pastoral approach. Be part of our successful team and also benefit from a generous package that includes:
- Life assurance
- Enhanced Pension Scheme
- Perkbox - offering high street discounts
- Employee assistance programme
- Car lease scheme
- Fully funded training and qualifications
- Bike to work scheme
- Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.
How to apply:
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at liz.hudson@theauroragroup.co.uk
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant employer: The Aurora-Group
Contact Detail:
The Aurora-Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of neurodivergent students. Understanding their challenges and strengths will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting them.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have in therapeutic approaches or working with SEND students. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've supported students in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Research The Aurora Group and their values, especially their focus on integrated therapy and neuro-affirmative practices. This knowledge will show your genuine interest in their mission and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships with students. Think about strategies you've used in the past to foster trust and support their wellbeing, as this is a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Higher Level Teaching Assistant position. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience working with young people, especially those with SEND. Emphasise any therapeutic approaches or psychological knowledge you possess, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting neurodivergent students. Mention specific examples of how you've established strong relationships with students in the past and your commitment to their wellbeing.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is essential in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Aurora-Group
✨Show Your Passion for SEND
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Share any relevant experiences or training you've had that demonstrate your commitment to supporting neurodivergent learners.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. This will show that you can contribute positively to the integrated therapy model at the school.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Resilience
Be ready to talk about situations where you've had to show empathy and resilience, especially when working with young people facing challenges. This is crucial for building strong relationships with students and ensuring their wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about how you would respond to various classroom scenarios, particularly those involving anxiety or behavioural issues, to showcase your readiness for the role.
