Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Full-Time 30024 - 33700 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Shaw Education Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support teaching and learning in a dynamic school environment, including special education settings.
  • Company: Join Brookfields School, a caring community dedicated to inclusive education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a compassionate team that empowers children to thrive.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Passion for education and experience in supporting diverse learners is essential.

The predicted salary is between 30024 - 33700 £ per year.

We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic, and adaptable Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our supportive school community. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting teaching and learning across a range of educational settings, including a special school environment. This role requires flexibility to work across two sites in Runcorn and Widnes.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Deliver planned learning activities and interventions under the direction of teaching staff
  • Support class teachers in planning, preparation, and assessment
  • Lead whole-class sessions when required across mainstream and special school settings
  • Provide targeted support for individuals and small groups, including pupils with additional needs
  • Support the delivery of EHCP targets and personalised learning plans
  • Contribute to the development and adaptation of learning resources to meet a range of needs
  • Support pupil behaviour, engagement, communication, and well-being
  • Work collaboratively across mainstream and special school sites to ensure consistency of practice
  • Monitor and record pupil progress, feeding back to teaching staff and SEN teams
  • Uphold safeguarding and child protection policies at all times

Brookfields School provides a quality, inclusive and specialist education for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders.

We are committed to:

  • An inclusive approach to teaching and learning to provide equal opportunities for all pupils
  • Providing a positive, stimulating, child-centred learning environment, where everyone is valued and respected
  • Promoting the personal qualities of individuals so that they achieve and contribute to their highest level
  • Sustaining the highest quality teaching and learning standards
  • Promoting learning as a life-long process involving a wide community of people including families

All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful. Our values — opportunity, integrity, community, and equity — guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.”

We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives. We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.

Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued. At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

  • An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff)/Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
  • Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
  • Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
  • Free Discount For Teachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
  • Free Eye Tests
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:

  • Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Career Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute.
  • Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.
  • Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
  • Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
  • Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
  • Participating in peer reviews.
  • Access to a suite of online courses.
  • Placement projects within our family of schools.

Actual Salary: £26,170 - £29,374

Working Hours: 37 hours, Monday to Friday, 38 weeks plus 5 inset days – total working 39 weeks

Safeguarding Statement: Brookfields School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment. An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the CRB, is required. You will be asked to disclose all relevant unspent and, where applicable, unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions, and convictions.

Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.

In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted. We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an ongoing basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.

Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant employer: The Shaw Education Trust

At Brookfields School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to professional development ensures that staff have access to high-quality training and growth opportunities, while our strong community ethos fosters collaboration and shared success. Located in Widnes, Cheshire, you will be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs, all while enjoying generous benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme and a comprehensive health and wellbeing plan.

The Shaw Education Trust

Contact Details:

The Shaw Education Trust Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Brookfields School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by practising common HLTA questions. Think about how your experience aligns with their values of opportunity, integrity, and community.

Tip Number 3

Show your passion for supporting children with special educational needs. Share specific examples from your past roles that highlight your adaptability and commitment.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Adaptability
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Behaviour Management
Support for Special Educational Needs
Planning and Preparation
Assessment Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Genuine:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your passion for education and how you connect with the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Share your experiences and what makes you excited about joining our team.

Tailor Your Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experience in special educational needs, as this is key for us at Brookfields School.

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how they apply to the role. Talk about your ability to support teaching staff, lead sessions, and work collaboratively across different settings. We love seeing how you can contribute to our inclusive approach!

Apply Early:We review applications on an ongoing basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Get your application in early through our website to ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust

Know Your Role

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as supporting teaching staff and delivering planned learning activities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm during the interview.

Showcase Your Experience

Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in supporting pupils with additional needs. Think about times when you've successfully adapted learning resources or contributed to personalised learning plans. Sharing these stories will show the interviewers that you have the practical experience they’re looking for.

Emphasise Collaboration

Since this role involves working across different sites and collaborating with various staff members, be ready to discuss how you work well in a team. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with teachers and other professionals to support student learning and well-being.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to inclusive education and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about the environment you'll be working in.