Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover in Wakefield

Up to £29,681 + excellent benefits. Please note: this post is due to commence in April and is offered on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave until January 2027.

HallCliffePrimarySchool is an independent specialist day school providing high quality education, based in Wakefield. The post involves working with children and young people who may have Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), trauma, Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Our children often display high levels of anxiety and may show verbal or physical aggression. You will be a trauma-informed practitioner, helping them feel safe, develop trusting relationships and learn. Some pupils have gaps in their education and learning may need to be adapted to be suitable for all to achieve. You will be an outstanding practitioner who can create a classroom environment where children feel safe. You will need to be extremely resilient and dedicated, and you will celebrate the huge small victories that you help create.

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Witherslack Group, you’ll receive the support you need to succeed. You’ll work in well-resourced school environments and be supported by colleagues who are leaders in their field.

Responsibilities

• Work with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs to help them learn, develop abilities and raise self-esteem.
• Be resilient and dedicated; create a classroom environment that feels safe and supports learning.
• Be a trauma-informed practitioner who helps pupils feel safe and build trusting relationships.
• Adapt learning to close gaps in education and ensure learning is accessible for all students.
• Collaborate with teachers to devise complementary learning activities and plan meetings as needed.
• Support pupils through challenging moments and celebrate progress, big or small.

What we offer for you

• Training: A full induction and on-the-job training.
• Holiday: You’ll work with the school holidays in mind.
• Progression: Career development opportunities; many leaders have been promoted from within.
• Flexible benefits: Options to adjust benefits such as life insurance.
• Wellbeing: Access to wellbeing tools and employee assistance.
• Medical cover: Reimbursement for eye tests, dental appointments and more; access to high-street discounts.
• Beautiful working environments: Modern facilities in supportive school settings.
• Contributory pension: Pension matched up to 5%.

Our young people come from diverse backgrounds and with different needs. We value every member of our team and look for candidates who:

• Have significant experience as a Teaching Assistant.
• Show genuine passion for helping children learn and making a changing impact.
• Bring enthusiasm and expertise to support the department.
• Can plan meetings, work without supervision and liaise with teachers to create complementary learning activities.
• Hold a relevant NVQ Level 3 and a HLTA qualification, or equivalent.

Safeguarding and equality

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.