Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Luton; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational provider in Luton is seeking a passionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join the team at a new specialist school for children with autism. In this role, you will deliver tailored lessons, support emotional and academic development, and collaborate with teachers to foster an inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will have GCSEs in English and Maths, relevant experience, and a commitment to safeguarding young people's welfare. This position offers competitive salary and is based on-site, with permanent, term-time hours.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Required GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a school setting is mandatory.
• Proven experience supporting pupils with autism spectrum conditions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored lessons and support learning under guidance.
• Cover lessons in the absence of the teacher when required.
• Create engaging learning resources and track pupil progress.

Skills

Experience supporting pupils with autism spectrum conditions

Strong communication skills

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths, Grade C/4 or above

Minimum 2 years’ experience in a school setting

Job description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Location: Claystone School, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 4LL
Salary: £25,200.00 per annum (dependent on experience – not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday, 8:15am – 4:15pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
This role does not offer visa sponsorship – UK applicants only.

We’re rolling out our 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) initiative across the school within the next year once we reach full staffing – so there’s never been a better time to join #TeamOFG.

Are you an innovative and compassionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant ready to make a real difference?

We’re looking for a passionate, experienced HLTA to join the founding team at our brand-new Options Autism School – Claystone School in Luton.

About the Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will be a key part of our classroom and school community, helping deliver engaging learning and supporting the emotional and academic development of our pupils. You will work closely with teachers and other support staff to ensure all pupils achieve their potential in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored lessons and support learning under the guidance of teaching staff.
• Cover lessons in the absence of the teacher when required.
• Model and promote positive behaviour support and inclusive practice.
• Mentor and guide Teaching Assistants, helping to build a strong, collaborative support team.
• Plan and create engaging learning resources.
• Track and report on pupil progress, development, and behaviour.
• Champion pupil welfare, safeguarding, and individual development.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, Grade C/4 or above.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a school setting.
• Proven experience supporting pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and complex learning needs.

Key Attributes

• Nurturing, patient, and adaptable.
• Confident working independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Committed to safeguarding and achieving positive outcomes for pupils.

Desirable

• Previous SEND experience.

Join Us

If you are enthusiastic, committed, and passionate about supporting children with complex needs, we would love to hear from you. Join our team and make a real difference in the lives of our pupils, contributing to a supportive and inclusive school environment.

About our school

Claystone School – a brand-new specialist school in Luton for autistic children aged 4–11, recently opened in January 2025.

Situated in Pepperstock, Luton, Claystone School is a small, independent setting supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and a range of additional learning difficulties. We provide a nurturing environment where each child’s unique strengths and contributions are recognised and celebrated, helping them reach their full potential.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why join Options Autism

We place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils 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 your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.