Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Witherslack Group Ltd.; Chigwell; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training

Holiday

Career progression

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing

Medical cover

Discounts

Pension

Job summary

Witherslack Group is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to work with pupils aged 5–19 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and SEMH needs. You will support learning, develop abilities and raise self-esteem in a challenging but rewarding environment.

Join a well-resourced school community with induction, progression opportunities, and generous holidays. You’ll collaborate with teachers and therapists to create tailored learning activities and track progress.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Teaching Assistant supporting children with SEND.
• NVQ Level 3 and HLTA qualification are required or equivalent.
• Ability to plan learning activities in collaboration with teachers.

Responsibilities

• Support learning and development of pupils with ASD/SEMH needs.
• Help raise self-esteem and resilience through targeted activities.
• Collaborate with teachers to plan and deliver learning sessions.
• Provide a caring, supportive presence in the classroom.

Skills

Teaching assistant experience

NVQ Level 3

HLTA qualification

Plan meetings with teachers

Support ASD/SEMH pupils

Education

NVQ Level 3

HLTA qualification

Job description

Our higher level teaching assistants are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference

Get out what you put in

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You’ll be there to help them learn, develop their abilities and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As a higher level teaching assistant at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

One of the best environments in SEND

Luxborough Court School is a purpose-built school registered for 150 pupils aged 5 – 19 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. There is a large sports hall with changing facilities (the site was formally a Premier League football club’s training ground), a bespoke 6th form suite plus a number of other smaller individual spaces used for therapeutic intervention and bespoke support. The School benefits from extensive outdoor space plus a large central courtyard garden in the centre of the school and separate secondary and junior playgrounds, with a multi-use games area.

There are good public transport connections with Chigwell Station less than a mile away, providing Central Line Tube services to London and Essex. The road links are good - the site is located near the M11, Junction 4.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

Training: A full induction and on the job training

Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays

Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group

Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefitshere

Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance

Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts

Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schoolshere

A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)

Bring your whole‑self to work

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

• Significant experience as a Teaching assistant
• Your genuine passion for supporting children learn and the impact it can have on their lives
• Your enthusiasm and expertise to support your department
• Your ability to plan meetings, work without supervision and liaise with teachers to devise complementary learning activities.
• You’ll also need a relevant NVQ Level 3 and a HLTA qualification, or equivalent

Interested in joining us?

Our young people deserve the best possible future and we feel the same about our teams. You deserve to have the career you want, with a purpose‑led employer, in an environment that allows you to be yourself.

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.

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD