Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Outcomes First Group; Guildford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Vista benefits platform

Health & discounts

Cycle to Work

Electric car scheme

Critical illness cover

Family leave support

Job summary

Castle Garden School in Guildford is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to work closely with teachers and support staff, delivering planned lessons and targeted interventions for autistic students aged 5–11. You will help create a safe, engaging learning environment and provide learning support across the curriculum.

The role involves supporting individuals and groups, covering lessons when needed, and mentoring fellow TAs.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/Level 4 or above) or equivalent.
• Experience working within an education setting.
• Has experience supporting students with additional needs, including autism and/or challenging behaviour.
• Is confident leading learning activities and delivering lessons.
• Can build positive relationships with students and colleagues.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Can effectively manage behaviour and support student wellbeing.
• Holds a relevant teaching or education-related qualification (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Supporting students individually, in small groups and within whole-class settings.
• Delivering planned lessons and interventions under the direction of teaching staff.
• Covering lessons when required and supporting curriculum delivery.
• Adapting learning activities to meet individual student needs.
• Monitoring student progress and providing feedback to teachers.
• Promoting positive behaviour, engagement and independence.
• Supporting the development of individual learning and support plans.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentoring and supporting Teaching Assistants where appropriate.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Behaviour management

Positive relationships

Autism support

Education

GCSE Maths & English

Experience with additional needs

Teaching/education qualification desirable

Job description

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to provide high-quality educational support for students with a range of individual needs. You'll support learning across the curriculum, lead planned activities and interventions, and occasionally cover lessons in the absence of a teacher. You'll help create a positive, safe and engaging learning environment where students feel supported, valued and inspired to achieve their ambitions. What You'll Be Doing

Responsibilities

• Supporting students individually, in small groups and within whole-class settings.
• Delivering planned lessons and interventions under the direction of teaching staff.
• Covering lessons when required and supporting curriculum delivery.
• Adapting learning activities to meet individual student needs.
• Monitoring student progress and providing feedback to teachers.
• Promoting positive behaviour, engagement and independence.
• Supporting the development of individual learning and support plans.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentoring and supporting Teaching Assistants where appropriate.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/Level 4 or above) or equivalent.
• Experience working within an education setting.
• Has experience supporting students with additional needs, including autism and/or challenging behaviour.
• Is confident leading learning activities and delivering lessons.
• Can build positive relationships with students and colleagues.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Can effectively manage behaviour and support student wellbeing.
• Holds a relevant teaching or education-related qualification (desirable).

About the School

Castle Garden School is a brand-new independent specialist school for students with autism between 5 - 11 years of age. Castle Garden School strives to provide effective, specialist education and support to autistic students and their families, which will allow students to achieve their full potential in education and life. Located in the town centre of Guildford, the school provides primary education and offers a unique mix of education and support to students within a wide spectrum of needs and abilities. Personalised teaching and learning in an autism specific environment allows students' individual needs to be addressed completely and their capabilities fully realised. At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity. We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running. We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support