HLTA in Knowsley

• Setting: Specialist SEMH School
• Job Overview

We are recruiting a passionate, resilient, and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HTLA) to join a specialist school in Halewood, Liverpool, supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The school provides a safe, nurturing, and structured learning environment for pupils who require additional support to overcome barriers to education.

Many pupils have experienced challenges that have impacted their learning, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing, and the school is dedicated to helping every young person build confidence, develop positive relationships, and achieve their full potential.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic HTLA who is committed to supporting personalised learning, promoting positive behaviour, and making a genuine difference to the lives of pupils with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers in planning and delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities that meet the individual needs of pupils with SEMH and SEND needs.
• Lead small-group and, where appropriate, individual learning sessions to support pupils' academic, social, and emotional development.
• Provide targeted support to pupils who may experience barriers to learning, including behavioural, emotional, and social difficulties.
• Create and maintain a positive, inclusive, and structured learning environment that promotes engagement and emotional wellbeing.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage confidence, resilience, independence, and positive attitudes towards learning.
• Use positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to support pupils in managing their emotions and behaviour.
• Support pupils in working towards their EHCP outcomes and individual learning targets.
• Assist with the monitoring, assessment, and recording of pupil progress, providing feedback to teachers and relevant staff.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, therapists, parents/carers, and external professionals to provide holistic support.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence, communication skills, social skills, and positive relationships.
• Support classroom routines, transitions, and the effective management of learning activities.
• Contribute to individual support plans, behaviour plans, annual reviews, and other relevant documentation where required.
• Promote high expectations of behaviour, attendance, engagement, and achievement.
• Provide appropriate cover or lead learning activities when required, in line with the school's expectations and the HTLA role.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school and maintain a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.

Requirements

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent recognised qualification/experience (essential).
• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, behavioural, or additional needs is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting learning and/or leading small-group interventions.
• Strong behaviour management skills, including the ability to use positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies.
• A calm, patient, resilient, and consistent approach when supporting pupils with challenging behaviours or complex needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues.
• The confidence and ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a wider school team.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to adapt to changing situations and individual pupil needs.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusive education, and supporting pupils to achieve their full potential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.
• What's on Offer
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Ongoing training and professional development, including SEMH, SEND, behaviour management, and de-escalation strategies.
• A supportive leadership team and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to work within a rewarding specialist setting in Halewood, Liverpool.
• The chance to develop your skills and experience within a specialist educational environment.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
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