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Courtlands Special School Academy in Crownhill, Plymouth, is seeking a dedicated SEN HLTA for a permanent, part-time role (39 weeks per year). The post involves classroom, individual and small-group support and may include PPA and absence cover.
The successful candidate will have an HLTA qualification or above and GCSE English and Maths, with a passion for supporting children with additional needs in a trauma-informed setting.
Post: SEN HLTA
Location: Courtlands School, Widney Lane, Plymouth, PL6 5JS
FTE Salary Range: NJC Grade E Pt 15 - 20; £31,015 - £33,673
Actual Salary Range: £26,108 - £28,346
Contract Type: Permanent, part time, term time only (39 weeks per year)
Contract Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
We have an exciting opportunity for an excellent Higher Level Teaching Assistant or aspirant teacher who is enthusiastic, motivated and committed to join our team. The ideal candidate will be hard working, friendly and outgoing and have relevant experience of working in a special education school setting. They will have a passion for supporting young children’s learning and development in a trauma informed setting, enjoy working as part of a team and to cover PPA and absence when required. This role may suit a new qualified teacher looking for additional school experience before undertaking a class teacher role. The role will involve a mixture of classroom based, individual and small group support. We are looking for candidates that are friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated to working with children with additional needs.
We are looking for candidates who ideally have: A HLTA qualification or above A good GCSE in English and Maths The ability to personalise learning to meet the child’s needs The ability to work independently and use own initiative A positive and nurturing manner Knowledge of a range of learning and behaviour strategies Experience of working within a special education setting.
Courtlands Special School Academy caters for primary aged children who have moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH), and other complex needs. Within this there is a wide range of needs, such as children with mild medical issues, developmental disorders such as ADHD and Dyspraxia, Autism and speech and language difficulties. Courtlands is an amazing place to come to with a real feel of positivity, acceptance and camaraderie. You see targeted therapies many other schools do not offer and a curriculum that is designed to meet the additional needs of our pupils. You see learning organised to meet the developmental needs of the children and we have the confidence to buck the trend, stand out, and to aim for the outstanding. To attend Courtlands, your child must have an Education, Health and Care Plan and meet the special needs described above. Your mainstream school or nursery SENCo can apply to your local authority for a place and a panel of heads and other professionals decide whether this school is appropriate. We have a maximum of 100 children here at any one time ranging in age from 4 to 11 years old. We take pupils from Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall and we welcome prospective visits from interested parents, SENCos or Local Authority Officers.
Courtlands is located in Crownhill, Plymouth.
We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond. We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting.
These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.
Those we recruit are able to demonstrate that theyshare our values, arehighly motivated towork with colleagues, within and beyond their school, tocontinuously develop their skills and pursue professional excellence.
for applications is 11th October 2026
Interviews are provisionally booked for Week Commencing 19th October 2026
We offer a competitive salary plus LGPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.
We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to‑face training.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.