Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Farnham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational organization in the Farnham area is seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a full-time role. You will support SEMH students, manage challenging behaviors, and work closely with teachers to foster a positive learning environment. Ideal candidates will have HLTA status and experience in a similar setting. The position offers opportunities for professional development and a direct hiring process with the school, avoiding agency fees.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Direct employment—no agency fees

Qualifications

• Experience working in a specialist educational environment.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviors with empathy.
• Full driving licence preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom learning and deliver tailored interventions.
• Manage challenging behaviors with patience.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to adapt lesson plans.
• Support students' social, emotional, and mental health development.
• Assist in supervising students and maintaining a structured environment.

Skills

Experience with SEMH students

Behavior management strategies

Communication skills

Education

HLTA status or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

Full-Time Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Farnham Area • Location: Farnham • School Type: SEMH Secondary School • Employer: Direct Hire by School

A well-regarded SEMH secondary school near Farnham is seeking a dedicated and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join their team on a full-time basis. This unique school provides specialist support for students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, fostering a nurturing and structured environment where every young person can thrive.

Understanding SEMH and the Role

SEMH refers to a broad range of difficulties affecting young people’s social interaction, emotional regulation, and mental well-being. Students in this setting often face complex challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral difficulties that can impact their learning and relationships. The school prioritizes holistic support to help students develop resilience, self-regulation, and positive coping strategies.

As an HLTA here, you will play a vital role in managing challenging behavior with empathy and consistency, using proven de-escalation techniques and personalized support plans. Your work will directly contribute to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere where students feel understood and motivated to achieve their potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting classroom learning and delivering tailored interventions to meet the specific needs of SEMH students
• Managing and supporting challenging behaviors with patience and skill, promoting positive behavior strategies
• Working collaboratively with teaching staff to adapt lesson plans and provide targeted assistance
• Supporting students’ social, emotional, and mental health development through one-to-one and group work
• Assisting in supervising students and maintaining a calm, structured environment throughout the school day

Person Specification

• Experience working with SEMH students or in a similar specialist educational environment
• HLTA status or equivalent qualification
• Strong understanding of SEMH needs and behavior management strategies
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Full driving licence preferred due to the school’s location

About the School

This SEMH secondary school is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment tailored to the needs of young people with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. The school promotes positive relationships, emotional well-being, and personal growth alongside academic progress. Staff are trained to implement trauma-informed practices and individualized behavior support plans to help students build resilience and succeed.

Why Apply?

• Direct employment with the school—no agency fees
• Join a passionate and supportive team committed to making a real difference
• Opportunities for professional development in SEMH and behavior management

If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and skilled in managing complex behavior with empathy and professionalism, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please submit your up to date CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance “Keeping Children Safe in Education”; this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

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