At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in learning through one-to-one and small group sessions.
- Company: Element Society, a charity dedicated to helping young people thrive.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 30 days holiday, health benefits, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives by providing stability and support.
- Qualifications: HLTA level practice or strong experience in education and behaviour support.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for training and progression.
Alternative Provision at Element is a short, focused stop on a young person's journey. Some pupils cannot be in mainstream right now. With us, they get specialist support, steady routines and a calm place to learn. Our job is to stabilise, rebuild confidence and skills, and help each pupil move on to the right next step, whether that is a return to mainstream, a specialist setting or a different pathway.
About the role: Be the confident adult who keeps learning moving. Sometimes you will deliver a planned lesson. Often you will run small group or one-to-one work and help the room feel calm and predictable so pupils can re-engage.
Working pattern: 4 days per week with an option for job-share or reduced hours, 5 hours per day, generally 09:30 to 14:30. Term time only. Optional extra hours on other Element projects during school holidays may be offered by agreement.
Why this role matters: Trust and routine open the door to learning. Your steady presence reduces anxiety and helps young people build the small wins that add up to progress and a successful next step.
Pay and terms: £13.45 to £13.97 per hour. Breaks unpaid. Minimum paid hours per shift: 4. Paid monthly via BrightPay on the last Thursday of each month. Benefits include Westfield Health; Blue Light Card; Charity Worker Discount scheme. Base: across Element sites and partner venues within 5 miles of Sheffield city centre. Employer pension contribution is 8 percent. Cycle to Work scheme available. Holiday entitlement: 30 days per year - pro rata to your working days and hours.
What you will do:
- Deliver pre-planned lessons when needed and adapt resources
- Lead one-to-one and small group interventions in literacy, numeracy and social or emotional skills
- Use agreed de-escalation approaches and help keep routines clear and calm
- Record attendance, progress and incidents
- Notice, record and escalate safeguarding concerns promptly
What you will bring:
- HLTA level practice or strong experience delivering to classes, small groups or 1:1
- Behaviour support skills and AP or SEMH or SEND experience
- Clear communication with pupils, staff and parents or carers
- Enhanced DBS and Right to Work
- EFAW or FAW and positive handling, non-restrictive, and local knowledge
Training and progression: We provide paid induction and all mandatory training. We can fund other useful qualifications by agreement. Typical progression: HLTA to AP Programme Coordinator to AP Programme Lead.
Safeguarding and compliance: This is regulated activity and will require an enhanced DBS check. You will follow our safeguarding policy, professional boundaries and code of conduct. Right to work checks may be completed via a certified remote route. Two references are required, including your latest line manager. Element Society is committed to safeguarding children and young people to the highest standards. Safeguarding children and young people is everyone’s responsibility at the charity. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are the first priority, before the success of the programme or the reputation of the charity, school, client or parent. Children’s and young people’s welfare is paramount. We uphold the safeguarding principles and requirements of registered charities who work with children, young people and vulnerable groups, outlined by the Charity Commission. Element adopts and implements good practice to minimise the opportunity for abuse, provide safe and secure environments, and to ensure young people are supported in an appropriate manner. As a staff member, you will be expected to uphold and enforce the principles and guidelines associated with safeguarding and work in a way that acknowledges and incorporates these practices.
Equal opportunities: Element Society values and welcomes diversity, culture and belief within the communities we serve and wholeheartedly supports the principle of equality of opportunity and opposes all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic origin or nationality, gender, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, responsibility for dependants, employment status, age, capability or disability.
How to apply: Deadline for applications is 17th December 2025 at 5:00pm. Shortlisting: skills and values screened against the person specification. Interview and practical task: for example, de-escalation role play, session planning, or a short data exercise. References: two references, including the most recent line manager where applicable. Online check: short online search for shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Right to Work and identity checks: completed before start; certified-remote route may be used. Enhanced DBS: required for regulated activity. Employment is subject to satisfactory checks. Conditional offer: confirmed when checks are complete.
Contact: Request an application form to be sent to you by emailing jobs@elementsociety.co.uk.
High Level Teaching Assistant in Sheffield employer: Voluntary Action Sheffield
Contact Detail:
Voluntary Action Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land High Level Teaching Assistant in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Element Society and their approach to Alternative Provision. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your de-escalation techniques! Since this role involves working with young people who may need extra support, be ready to demonstrate your skills in managing challenging situations during the interview. We all know practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your A-game to the practical task! Whether it's a role play or session planning, show off your creativity and adaptability. Remember, they want to see how you can engage with pupils and create a calm learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace High Level Teaching Assistant in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with young people! Share experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting their learning and emotional needs. This will help us understand why you're a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Element Society, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. This will make it easier for us to see your qualifications and suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Element Society.
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Action Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a High Level Teaching Assistant and the specific needs of pupils in alternative provision. Familiarise yourself with strategies for behaviour support and how to create a calm learning environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with small groups or one-to-one. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially HLTA level practice, and share examples of how you've successfully engaged with students facing challenges.
✨Prepare for Practical Tasks
Expect to participate in practical tasks during the interview, like de-escalation role plays or session planning. Practise these scenarios beforehand so you can demonstrate your skills confidently and effectively.
✨Emphasise Safeguarding
Understand the importance of safeguarding in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle safeguarding concerns and maintain professional boundaries, as this is crucial for the safety and well-being of the pupils.