Higher Level Teaching Assistant

LJ Recruitment; Essex; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

LJ Recruitment is seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a specialist residential education setting in Colchester, Essex. The role is part-time with a salary of 20,000–25,000 per annum, depending on experience, and requires HLTA status or equivalent Level 4 qualification.

You will support vulnerable children, lead lessons when required, and work within a multidisciplinary team to provide tailored educational and emotional support in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• HLTA status or Level 4 qualification in education, youth work or child development
• GCSE English and Maths (4/C or above)
• Experience with vulnerable children or young people in education or care
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and attachment needs
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills
• Patient, flexible, resilient and empathetic approach
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Support teaching staff with lesson planning, classroom preparation and differentiated learning activities
• Provide one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with additional learning needs
• Lead lessons and undertake classroom cover when required
• Develop positive relationships with young people using trauma-informed approaches
• Encourage positive behaviour, emotional regulation, independence and social development
• Support off-site educational visits and enrichment activities
• Monitor pupil progress, maintain records and provide feedback
• Work with residential care and therapeutic professionals to ensure consistent support
• Maintain safeguarding, confidentiality and professional practice

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Pastoral support

Communication skills

Empathy

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

HLTA status or Level 4 qualification

GCSE English and Maths

Experience with vulnerable children

Tools

First Aid

Safeguarding training

Team Teach

Mental Health First Aid

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Location: Colchester, Essex
Setting: Specialist Residential Education
Salary: 20,000 - 25,000 per annum
Hours: Part-Time

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for a dedicated and compassionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a specialist residential education setting in Colchester, Essex.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced education professional who is passionate about supporting vulnerable children and young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning, build confidence and reach their full potential.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate closely with teaching staff, residential care professionals and therapeutic teams to deliver tailored educational support within a nurturing, structured and supportive environment.

The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting classroom learning, leading lessons when required, delivering targeted interventions and providing pastoral and emotional support to young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teaching staff with lesson planning, classroom preparation and the delivery of differentiated learning activities.
• Provide one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with additional learning needs, social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Lead lessons and undertake classroom cover when required.
• Develop positive, trusting relationships with young people using trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches.
• Encourage positive behaviour, emotional regulation, independence and social development.
• Support off‑site educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Monitor and assess pupil progress, maintaining accurate records and providing feedback to teaching staff.
• Work collaboratively with residential care and therapeutic professionals to ensure consistent support.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, confidentiality and professional practice.

Candidate Requirements

We are keen to hear from candidates who are passionate about making a difference and have experience supporting vulnerable children and young people.

Essential Requirements:

• HLTA status or a relevant Level 4 qualification in education, youth work or child development.
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at Grade 4/C or above.
• Previous experience working with vulnerable children or young people within an educational or care environment.
• A good understanding of trauma‑informed practice, attachment needs and the challenges faced by young people in residential care.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• A patient, flexible, resilient and empathetic approach.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications:

• Level 3 Safeguarding qualification or equivalent training.
• Team Teach or equivalent positive behaviour management training.
• Paediatric or general First Aid qualification.
• Mental Health First Aid training.

What the Setting Offers

• The opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable young people.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced education, residential care and therapeutic professionals.
• A rewarding role where you can contribute to the educational, emotional and personal development of young people.