Higher Level Teaching Assistant

SAMpeople; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living wage salary

Pension scheme

On-site parking

Career development

Job summary

Great Park Academy in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support a pupil with significant SEND needs on a predominantly one-to-one basis. Working closely with the class teacher, SENDCo and families, you will deliver tailored learning activities within the classroom and through targeted interventions.

You will apply visual supports and communication strategies, track progress, and collaborate with professionals to sustain progress and promote

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with autism and complex SEND.
• Strong observation, assessment and recording of progress.
• Ability to deliver one-to-one and small-group interventions.

Responsibilities

• Deliver adapted learning activities under teacher/SENDCo guidance.
• Support pupil to engage, sustain attention and access curriculum.
• Promote independence with scaffolding and structured support.
• Use visual supports and communication strategies to aid learning.
• Support sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing.
• Deliver targeted interventions (phonics, maths, social interaction).
• Pre-teach and consolidate learning to reinforce understanding.
• Support pupil during classroom activities and social times.
• Contribute to EHCP provision and reviews.
• Keep accurate records of progress and outcomes.
• Collaborate with parents, therapists and other professionals.
• Attend training and professional development sessions.

Skills

ASD & SEND

Observation skills

One-to-one support

Communication skills

Record-keeping

Education

HLTA qualification or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work predominantly on a one-to-one basis with a pupil who has significant special educational needs. Working closely with the class teacher, SENDCo, parents and external professionals, you will provide tailored support both within the classroom and through targeted interventions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Delivering adapted learning activities under the direction of the class teacher and SENDCo.
• Supporting the pupil to engage in learning, sustain attention and access the curriculum successfully.
• Promoting independence through appropriate scaffolding, encouragement and structured support.
• Using visual supports, PECS, now-and-next boards and other communication strategies to facilitate learning and communication.
• Supporting sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing, including during periods of dysregulation.
• Delivering targeted interventions in phonics, mathematics, social communication and emotional literacy.
• Providing pre-teaching and consolidation sessions to reinforce learning.
• Supporting the pupil during classroom activities, social times and extra-curricular clubs where appropriate.
• Implementing EHCP provision consistently and contributing evidence towards reviews and annual review meetings.
• Maintaining accurate records of progress, communication and behavioural outcomes.
• Developing effective partnerships with parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals to ensure a coordinated approach to support.
• Attending training, review meetings and other professional development opportunities as required.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Experience of supporting children with Autism Spectrum Condition and complex SEND needs.
• A strong understanding of social communication difficulties, sensory processing differences and strategies that enable autistic pupils to thrive.
• Experience of delivering effective one-to-one and small-group interventions, including phonics, maths, social interaction and emotional literacy programmes.
• The ability to build positive, trusting and meaningful relationships with vulnerable children.
• Excellent observation, assessment and record-keeping skills.
• Experience of working collaboratively with parents and professionals.
• An understanding of the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle and SEND processes.
• The ability to remain calm, patient and resilient when supporting pupils who may experience periods of emotional dysregulation or challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A commitment to promoting pupil independence, confidence and long-term success.

This is a rewarding opportunity for a skilled practitioner who is passionate about inclusion and making a meaningful difference to the educational experience and outcomes of children with additional needs.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• A competitive salary- as an accredited Living Wage Employer, you’re guaranteed a wage that meets, and often exceeds, the real cost of living.
• Benefits including; excellent pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking
• An opportunity to work with highly-skilled professionals
• Enthusiastic and motivated students
• An exciting and extensive commitment to professional development
• A school with its community at heart
• Wider career development opportunities to be involved across the Gosforth Group

The Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We are a new secondary school that opened in September 2021. At Great Park Academy, our principal aim is to provide outstanding education for students from Years 5 to 11. We are a popular academy with a reputation in the local community for providing a safe, positive, caring and nurturing environment where children can thrive as learners. With high expectations and standards of achievement, both academic and personal, we encourage students to make excellent progress and to achieve their goals and aspirations. We offer learning experiences that support personal development and our staff promotes a love of learning which will be with our students throughout their lives. Great Park Academy is one of two new schools within Gosforth Group multi-academy trust. Our new school building, located in Great Park, opened in 2025 will service 1,200 students from Year 5 to Year 11. This is an exciting time to join our team, our growing academy provides great opportunities for professional development and career progression, as well as the chance to support us in shaping the future of Great Park Academy.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. This means certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide and you can view our Policy on the Employment of Ex-offenders on our website within Trust Policies.

Gosforth Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. References will be requested prior to interview for those candidates shortlisted. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, along with other relevant pre-employment checks.