At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs in a nurturing educational environment.
- Company: Join a respected network of specialist SEN schools in Swindon.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, weekly payments, ongoing support, and free training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN or a recognised HLTA qualification required.
- Other info: Flexible work opportunities with strong support for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.
We are recruiting an experienced SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work full-time across several specialist education settings in Swindon. These provisions support children and young people with complex Special Educational Needs and offer highly structured, nurturing environments designed to help pupils re-engage with learning and education. This role is ideal for someone with a Teaching Assistant background who is ready to step up or a recognised HLTA qualification, who is confident supporting pupils across Primary, Secondary and Post-16 age ranges and is comfortable adapting to different settings while maintaining consistency and high standards of care.
The Role
As an SEN HLTA, you will work across multiple specialist provisions, providing high-quality support where it is most needed. Your responsibilities will include:
- Delivering planned learning activities and interventions across a range of age groups
- Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex SEN
- Supporting emotional regulation, engagement and positive behaviour
- Adapting learning approaches to meet individual pupil needs
- Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and therapists
- Acting as a calm, consistent and reliable adult in specialist environments
While you will work across different settings, the schools share a similar ethos, approach and pupil profile, allowing you to build confidence and consistency in your practice.
About the Pupils
The schools support children and young people with complex and overlapping needs, including:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
- ADHD
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
- Learning difficulties and trauma-related presentations
Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and may present with challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation, anxiety or difficulties with trust and attachment. Staff focus on relationship-building, structure and regulation to help pupils feel safe and ready to learn.
Why These Schools Are So Highly Regarded
The specialist provisions you will work in are known for:
- A strong relational and trauma-informed approach
- Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios
- Clear behaviour frameworks focused on de-escalation and regulation
- Supportive leadership teams and strong staff
- Flexible, personalised curricula that meet pupils where they are
These are settings where staff are genuinely supported and encouraged to develop their SEN practice.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Proven experience supporting children or young people with SEN
- A TA background or a recognised HLTA qualification
- Confidence working across Primary, Secondary and Post-16
- Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
- A calm, adaptable and resilient approach
- The ability to build positive relationships quickly in new settings
Why Join Tradewind Recruitment
- Full-time work across a network of specialist SEN schools
- Competitive rates of pay, paid weekly
- Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
- Free CPD and SEN-focused training
- Flexible opportunities with consistent work
If youβre an experienced SEN professional looking to step into a rewarding SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) role within an exceptional specialist setting, weβd love to hear from you.
SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Job in Swindon Education & Training Jobs employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Tradewind Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Job in Swindon Education & Training Jobs
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know about openings before they're even advertised, and a personal recommendation can really give you an edge.
β¨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer or shadow in SEN settings if you can. This not only boosts your experience but also shows potential employers that you're genuinely committed to supporting children with complex needs.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in behaviour management and relationship-building. We want you to shine!
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, weβre always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you to join our network of specialist SEN schools.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Job in Swindon Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the SEN HLTA role. Highlight your experience with children who have complex needs and showcase any relevant qualifications or training you've completed.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong behaviour management skills and your ability to adapt learning approaches. We want to see how you can support emotional regulation and engagement in pupils with SEN.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! Share your passion for working with children and young people with SEN. We value candidates who can build positive relationships quickly and create a nurturing environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
β¨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different conditions like Autism Spectrum Conditions and ADHD, as well as effective strategies for supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
β¨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported pupils with complex needs. Whether itβs adapting learning activities or managing challenging behaviour, having concrete stories ready will help you demonstrate your skills and confidence in a real-world context.
β¨Emphasise Relationship-Building
In your interview, highlight your ability to build positive relationships quickly. Talk about how youβve established trust with students in previous roles and how you plan to do the same in new settings. This is crucial in SEN environments, so make it a key part of your conversation.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to SEN and how they support their staff. This shows that youβre not only interested in the role but also invested in the ethos of the schools. Itβs a great way to demonstrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment for pupils.