At a Glance
- Tasks: Support lower-ability learners with tailored Maths and English interventions.
- Company: Vibrant secondary school in Cardiff with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Free professional development, mentorship, and potential for permanent contract.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to helping every student succeed.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Primary-trained or experienced HLTA with strong understanding of learning needs.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Zen Educate is seeking a resilient, highly organised, and passionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a vibrant secondary school in Cardiff. This is a full-time, long-term position based within the school's specialised Resource Base, supporting Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 learners who are working significantly below age-related expectations. In this role, you will be the bridge between primary-style nurture and secondary-stage preparation. You will be responsible for planning, adapting, and delivering targeted Maths and English interventions to small groups and on a 1:1 basis. Because these learners require a high level of scaffolding, this role would perfectly suit a primary-trained teacher looking to step away from full class responsibilities, or an experienced HLTA with a strong primary background.
Key Responsibilities
- Targeted Delivery: Deliver adapted literacy, numeracy, and life-skills sessions to lower-ability learners within the Resource Base.
- Curriculum Adaptation: Take secondary curriculum topics and differentiate them down to accessible, primary-level steps (e.g., teaching fundamental phonics, reading recovery, and basic functional math).
- Classroom Cover: Confidently step in to lead the Resource Base classroom when the lead teacher is completing PPA or intervention planning.
- TA Collaboration & Leadership: Work alongside a supporting Teaching Assistant assigned to your sessions. You will be responsible for guiding and directing them on how best to deploy their support to maximise learner engagement and classroom efficiency.
- Behaviour & Pastoral Support: Utilise positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques to support learners who may exhibit frustration or anxiety due to learning barriers.
- Progress Tracking: Collaborate closely with the ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) to monitor student progress, update Individual Education Plans (IEPs/IDPs), and feedback to parents.
The Ideal Candidate
- Ideally Primary Trained (QTS or Level 4/5 HLTA status): You possess a deep understanding of how fundamental reading, writing, and mathematical concepts are formed (KS1/KS2 framework).
- Secondary Adaptability: You have the maturity and presence to manage and build rapport with adolescent learners (ages 11–16).
- Leadership Capabilities: Ability to effectively direct and mentor a classroom Teaching Assistant, ensuring they understand how to best support both you and the specific needs of the children in the class.
- ALN Experience: Proven experience supporting learners with diverse additional learning needs, such as Autism, ADHD, Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), or speech and language delays.
- Strong Team Player: Excellent communication skills to work alongside a dedicated team of Teaching Assistants, specialised teachers, and external agencies.
What the School Offers
- A welcoming, well-funded Resource Base with excellent sensory and academic provisions.
- Outstanding mentorship from an experienced ALNCo and senior leadership team.
- A genuine opportunity for the role to extend into a permanent contract for the new academic year starting September 2026.
- Free ongoing professional development and safeguarding top-up training.
HLTA- Lower ability support, Secondary setting in Cardiff employer: Zen Educate
Zen Educate is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in a vibrant secondary school in Cardiff. With outstanding mentorship from experienced leaders and a commitment to professional development, employees have ample opportunities for growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of lower-ability learners. The school's well-funded Resource Base provides excellent resources, ensuring that staff can deliver high-quality education tailored to individual needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA- Lower ability support, Secondary setting in Cardiff
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Zen Educate looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like HLTA- Lower ability support, Secondary setting at Zen Educate, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA- Lower ability support, Secondary setting in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Zen Educate, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Zen Educate and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zen Educate
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Zen Educate might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Zen Educate.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
