0.5 FTE Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council; North East; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Finchale Primary School is seeking to appoint an inspirational, creative and dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our warm and friendly school family. This 18.5 hours per week, term-time-only post starts as soon as possible (vacant from 09.11.2026).

We are looking for a candidate who shares our ethos, is an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations of achievement and behaviour, and can build lasting positive relationships within our community.

Qualifications

• Must hold a qualification that meets the approved 'full and relevant' criteria for Early Years qualifications and inclusion in staffing ratios.

Responsibilities

• We are looking for a member of our team who shares our family school ethos and values.
• It is essential to be an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations of achievement and behaviour.
• It is important to be able to build lasting positive relationships with all members of our community.
• It is essential to be committed to continuing to raise standards within a broad and balanced curriculum.
• It is desirable to contribute to the whole school and work effectively as part of a team.
• Must have thorough knowledge of the National Curriculum and assessment systems.

Job description

18.5 hours per week. Term Time Only + 2 weeks. Required to start as soon as possible (role is vacant from 09.11.2026).

The Governors of Finchale Primary School seek to appoint an inspirational, creative and dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our warm and friendly school family.

Finchale Primary School is a welcoming school that provides our children with an enriching and broad curriculum that enables them to shine. Our school ethos revolves around seeing the magic in all children and we aim to offer an engaging experience that allows them to develop the skills they need to thrive as future citizens.

We are looking for a member of our team who:

• Shares our family school ethos and values
• Is an excellent classroom practitioner with high expectations of achievement and behaviour
• Is able to build lasting positive relationships with all members of our community
• Is committed to continuing to raise standards within a broad and balanced curriculum
• Is willing to contribute to the whole school and work effectively as part of a team
• Has a thorough knowledge of the National Curriculum and assessment systems.

We can offer:

• A warm, welcoming and friendly school community with excellent support
• The support of an enthusiastic, ambitious and dedicated team of staff and governors
• The privilege to work with well-behaved and enthusiastic children who love coming to school and are eager to learn
• Continued professional development

The ability to communicate effectively across our school community is essential for the post.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Applicants must hold a qualification that meets the approved 'full and relevant' criteria for Early Years qualifications and inclusion in staffing ratios.

Ofsted report (May, 2025)

"Pupils are proud to be part of the 'Finchale family'. This is a friendly and welcoming school. There are high expectations of pupils. The school's work is underpinned by clear values, such as resilience, inclusivity and kindness, that are lived out every day. Pupils thrive here. They enjoy learning, feel safe and attend very well. Pupils achieve highly."

"Staff are very proud to work at the school. They know that leaders consider their well-being and they appreciate that managing their workload is a priority."

Additional information is also available on the school website at https://www.finchale.durham.sch.uk/ or by contacting the school office on 0191 386 5187.

Applicants are welcome to visit the school on one of the following dates and times, by prior appointment:

• Tuesday, 20th October at 2.00pm
• Tuesday, 20th October at 4.00pm
• Wednesday, 21st October at 11.00am

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks' pay

Term time only plus two additional weeks' pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of 'teaching' weeks - 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays - 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD - 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years' service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years' service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years' service

40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks' pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years' service

40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks' pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 22nd October 2026 at 12 noon

Interview date: Week commencing 2nd November 2026

Location

Finchale Primary School

Canterbury Road, Durham DH1 5XT

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]