[261110A] SEN HLTA

Courtlands School; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Career progression opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Courtlands School in Plymouth is seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support pupils with special educational needs. The role involves a mix of classroom-based and small-group support, with duties including covering PPA and absence when required, and personalising learning to meet individual needs.

The successful candidate will ideally hold an HLTA qualification or higher, have GCSE English and Maths, and bring experience of trauma-informed practice in a special

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Work across classroom-based, individual and small group support.
• Cover PPA and absence when required as needed.
• Support children with additional needs in a trauma‑informed setting.

Skills

HLTA qualification or above

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Personalise learning

Independent work

Positive nurturing

Behaviour strategies

Experience in special education

Education

HLTA qualification or above

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Job description

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

Previous applicants need not apply

About the role

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.

About the successful candidate 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.

About the School 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.

About the Trust 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.

Closing date: for applications is 22nd November 2026

Interview Date: Interviews are provisionally booked for Week Commencing 30th November 2026

Opportunities and Benefits

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.