At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead classes, design interventions, and support pupils with emotional and behavioural needs.
- Company: Dedicated Alternative Provision team in Blackburn focused on re-engaging learners.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with ongoing training opportunities and local impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: HLTA status or experience as a Cover Supervisor/Unqualified Teacher required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 € per year.
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday (Term-Time Only)
Salary: £110.15- £144.89 per day (Dependent on experience)
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner if available)
Are you an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or a Cover Supervisor looking for a highly rewarding role in Blackburn? We are recruiting a resilient, passionate HLTA to join a dedicated Alternative Provision (AP) team. This position is ideal for an education professional who thrives outside the traditional mainstream environment and excels at re-engaging pupils who have faced barriers to learning, including SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs and SEN (Special Educational Needs). If you are looking for a role with greater autonomy where you can lead classes, design interventions, and make a genuine impact, this is the perfect step for your education career.
Key Responsibilities as an HLTA:
- Classroom Leadership: Plan, prepare, and deliver learning activities to whole classes, covering lessons across the curriculum in the teacher's absence.
- Targeted Interventions: Deliver small group and 1:1 interventions focusing on core subjects, emotional literacy, and life skills.
- Behaviour Management: Utilise strong de-escalation strategies and positive reinforcement to maintain a calm, productive learning environment.
- Assessment & Tracking: Progress-monitor pupils, providing detailed feedback to teachers, parents, and the SENDCo to help bridge learning gaps.
- Pastoral Care: Act as a positive role model and mentor, supporting pupils with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
What We Are Looking For (Job Requirements):
- Qualifications: HLTA status (Level 4 or equivalent) OR a proven track record as a Cover Supervisor/Unqualified Teacher.
- Experience: Strong background working within an Alternative Provision (AP), PRU (Pupil Referral Unit), or specialist SEN/SEMH school setting.
- De-escalation Skills: Training in Team Teach, MAPA, or similar positive handling techniques is highly advantageous.
- Key Attributes: Excellent behaviour management skills, exceptional patience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build quick, meaningful rapport with disengaged youth.
Why Choose This Alternative Provision in Blackburn?
- Work-Life Balance: Standard school hours (Monday to Friday) with no weekend or evening commitments.
- Professional Development: Access to ongoing, specialised CPD training tailored to alternative education and trauma-informed practice.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a deeply supportive, multi-disciplinary team of teachers, therapists, and youth mentors.
- Local Impact: Convenient Blackburn location with excellent transport links and free on-site parking.
How to Apply:
To apply for this HLTA / Higher Level Teaching Assistant vacancy in Blackburn, click apply now and submit your current CV or contact Christina.
HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Alternative Provision) in Blackburn employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join our dedicated Alternative Provision team in Blackburn, where you will find a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and work-life balance. As an HLTA, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils facing barriers to learning, all while enjoying standard school hours and access to specialised training tailored to your growth in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Alternative Provision) in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work in alternative provisions. They might know about openings before they're even advertised, giving you a head start.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific challenges faced by pupils in alternative provisions. Show us that you understand their needs and can bring innovative solutions to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your de-escalation techniques! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed challenging behaviours in the past. We want to see your skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Alternative Provision) in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the HLTA role. Highlight your background in Alternative Provision or similar settings, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like HLTA status.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for working with disengaged youth and how you can make a difference in their lives. Be sure to mention specific examples of your experience with SEMH and SEN.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your behaviour management skills and any training you've had in de-escalation techniques. We want to see how you can maintain a calm and productive learning environment for our pupils.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of an HLTA, especially around classroom leadership and targeted interventions. Brush up on your knowledge of SEMH and SEN needs, as well as any relevant de-escalation strategies. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in alternative provisions or similar settings. Talk about how you've successfully engaged pupils who faced barriers to learning and how you’ve used behaviour management techniques effectively. Real-life stories resonate well!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to pastoral care and professional development opportunities. This shows you’re not only interested in the role but also in how you can grow within the team.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way, especially in education. Let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your passion for working with disengaged youth and how you build rapport with them. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with their students just as much as they are looking for qualifications.
