At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young learners by delivering engaging lessons and fostering communication skills.
- Company: Join a warm, supportive team at The Castle School in Newbury.
- Benefits: Enjoy protected planning time, professional development, and a positive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with a commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Early Years or Key Stage 1; HLTA qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are excited to be creating a brand new HLTA role at our Newbury Provision, a fantastic opportunity for an experienced early years practitioner to take on a rewarding and varied position within our primary team. As an HLTA, you will work across our primary classes providing high‑quality PPA cover, taking responsibility for whole class teaching in the absence of the class teacher. You will be given protected planning and preparation time to ensure your lessons are well‑resourced and tailored to the needs of each class, because we know that great teaching starts with great planning.
You will also play an important role in supporting pupil voice, giving children meaningful opportunities to communicate and express themselves through whatever approach or method works best for them, whether that is AAC, Makaton, core vocabulary boards, communication books or other augmentative and alternative communication strategies. This is a full time permanent job, 5 days a week with a 37 hour contract.
What We Are Looking For
- Has solid experience working with children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and/or Key Stage 1
- Is confident planning and delivering engaging, age‑appropriate lessons independently
- Holds or is willing to work towards the HLTA qualification
- Has a warm, patient and flexible approach and genuinely loves working with young children
- Understands and values a range of communication approaches and is committed to developing every child's voice
- Is a strong team player who communicates well with colleagues, families and other professionals
- Is committed to safeguarding and the welfare of all children
What We Offer
- A warm, supportive team and a positive working environment
- Protected planning and preparation time built into your timetable
- Opportunities for continued professional development
- The chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of young children
West Berkshire application form must be completed to comply with our safer recruitment policies. The Castle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) Early Years/Key Stage One employer: Thecastleschoolnewbury
Contact Detail:
Thecastleschoolnewbury Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) Early Years/Key Stage One
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work in early years or primary settings. They might know about openings before they're even advertised, and a personal recommendation can really give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to teaching and child development. Think about how you would handle specific classroom scenarios, as this will show your experience and confidence in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for teaching! During interviews, share stories that highlight your commitment to supporting children's voices and your innovative approaches to lesson planning. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) Early Years/Key Stage One
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with Early Years and Key Stage 1. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your teaching style and methods!
Show Your Passion: Let your love for working with young children shine through! We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys supporting their learning and development, so share any personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect this passion.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since we value a range of communication approaches, be sure to mention any relevant strategies you’ve used, like AAC or Makaton. This will show us that you understand the importance of giving every child a voice.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps streamline the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thecastleschoolnewbury
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Familiarise yourself with the curriculum and be ready to discuss how you would plan and deliver engaging lessons tailored to different needs.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your love for working with young children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children's communication and expression in the past, and demonstrate your warm, patient approach during the interview.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and families. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully communicated with other professionals and contributed to a positive team environment in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Safeguarding Questions
Since safeguarding is a top priority, be ready to talk about your understanding of child welfare and safety practices. Think of examples where you've ensured a safe environment for children and how you would continue to uphold these standards.