Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Crawley

Education - teaching

Full time

Permanent

We are seeking an ambitious, empathetic, and proactive Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to lead and champion provision within The BASE, our dedicated Specialist Support Centre (SSC) for 19 secondary students with a diagnosis of autism.

In our Trust, an HLTA is far more than classroom support; you are a key architect in bridging the gap between specialist SEND provision and mainstream secondary education. This pivotal role oversees day-to-day SSC operations, coordinates our Learning Support Assistant (LSA) team, and collaborates directly with mainstream teachers, the SENCO, and school leaders to embed inclusive, autism-informed practice across the entire school.

Whether you already hold HLTA status (or an equivalent Level 4 qualification) or are an experienced secondary Teaching Assistant ready to train towards accreditation, your expertise will be central to helping students achieve academic independence, subject‑specific milestones, and preparation for adulthood.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who brings resilience, warmth, and specialized expertise to our team:

• Provision Leadership: Coordinates the daily running of The BASE, effectively deploying and supporting the LSA team in collaboration with the SENCO and Deputy SENCO.
• Targeted Interventions & Tracking: Confidently plans, delivers, and tracks evidence‑based Section F interventions (including Speech, Language & Communication / SALC, academic scaffolding, and social wellbeing) using MIS platforms such as Arbor.
• Mainstream Curriculum Bridging: Works hand-in-hand with subject teachers to scaffold and adapt high‑level secondary curriculum content into accessible milestones, ensuring SSC pupils progress alongside mainstream peers.
• EHCP & Statutory Processes: Actively contributes to EHC needs assessments and Annual Reviews, gathering parent and student voice and compiling comprehensive progress evidence.
• Whole‑School ASC Expertise: Serves as a trusted autism specialist across TBCC—attending triage meetings, supporting SEND briefings, and driving school‑wide understanding of neurodivergent presentations.
• Partnership & Transitions: Acts as the daily point of contact for families and multi‑agency professionals, while managing smooth transitions from primary feeder schools through to post‑16 pathways.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualifications: HLTA status or a recognized equivalent Level 4 qualification (candidates with significant relevant experience willing to undertake HLTA training will be considered); GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• Experience: Significant experience supporting secondary‑aged pupils with SEND (particularly Autism, ADHD, or SEMH) and a demonstrated ability to lead whole‑class or targeted group learning independently. Experience managing or mentoring support staff is desirable.
• Skills: Strong classroom and behaviour management, high adaptability, and proficiency with school MIS systems (e.g., Arbor).

Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it’s our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

• Exceptional Professional Development: Access high-quality training tailored to secondary SEND, curriculum adaptation, first aid, and leadership development.
• Clear Career Progression: Dedicated support to expand your qualifications, with pathways toward specialized leadership or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) if desired.
• 24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free, round‑the‑clock Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and eligible immediate family members.
• Family‑Friendly & Flexible Working: Policies and flexible options designed to balance your career with life commitments.
• Blue Light Card Access: Eligibility for the UK’s leading discount scheme across major retailers, travel, dining, and leisure.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bicycle and equipment for a greener commute.
• Generous Pension Scheme: Secure your long‑term future through substantial employer pension contributions via the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

About Thomas Bennett Community College

Thomas Bennett Community College is a vibrant secondary school and sixth form community committed to high expectations, personal growth, and inclusive education for all young people in Crawley and surrounding areas. Our dedicated Specialist Support Centre, The BASE, stands at the heart of our mission to ensure neurodivergent learners receive tailored, high‑calibre support without missing out on the rich breadth of mainstream school life.

To discover what makes Thomas Bennett Community College special, visit our school website or contact us directly to arrange an informal visit or conversation with our SENCO.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) is a family of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school‑to‑school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission.

At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Working Arrangements

We actively promote flexible working practices and open dialogue around balancing work and life commitments.

Closing Date & Interviews

Interview dates for this role are listed in the vacancy overview. Please ensure you hold this date in your diary; we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.

Workplace Adjustments

Should you be selected and invited to interview, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right‑to‑work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.

“If you want your child to become such an amazing person and to growthen Thomas Bennett is the school for you!” - Year 9 student

It is with huge pride that I welcome you as Head Teacher to Thomas Bennett Community College. My key philosophy has always been to do the best for the students, raising aspirations and giving them the tools to be successful. We are an innovative school with dedicated and determined staff who work together and who are all firmly committed to improving the life chances of our young people. We have approximately 1000 students and we have the highest expectations that each and every child will achieve personal and academic success. We also support every student to contribute actively and positively to the college and the community which we serve.

We have a thriving and growing Sixth Form which has recently been judged as ‘Good’ by Ofsted (May 2019) and gives excellent opportunities for all our students to prepare for their lives after Thomas Bennett.

Our recent Ofsted inspection in May 2019 highlighted: ‘The recently appointed headteacher has gained the confidence of staff, pupils, parents and carers. Staff is now making rapid improvements under new leadership arrangements. Staff are united in working together to improve the school.’

‘Pupils and staff say that behaviour has improved greatly this year’

‘There is a clear vision and staff are focused on improving the quality of education provided for pupils. Staffing has been strengthened. Staff agree that the current headteacher has transformed the school. As one member of staff said, ‘the headteacher is relentlessly positive.’’

‘The learning environment has been greatly enhanced by the effective and consistent implementation of behaviour strategies.’

‘The sixth‑form provision has improved since the last inspection. Leaders have developed a small, effective sixth form where students thrive in a close‑knit community. Students say, ‘It feels like a family.’ The head of sixth form knows students extremely well and provides strong and principled leadership.’

Quotes from students – 2020: “The teaching's great.”

“You get so many opportunities.”

“The teaching's really good, you can make really good friends here even if they are in an older year. You never feel pressured into anything. We have gone through all the negative things and it’s all turning into positive.” “You can get your voices heard.“

“It’s welcoming, everyones kind and nice.”

“If you have any worries big or small you can always go to a member of staff and they really help you.“

“The school really helps people with all different kinds of issues whether they are mental health or even something like autism.“ I hope you find all the information you require on this website but please do contact us if you would like to know more or to arrange to visit us. You can all so follow us onFacebookandTwitter.

Kind regards,

Daniel Hatley - Headteacher

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