Higher Level Teaching Assistant

THE CASTLE SCHOOL; Theale; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Castle School invites applications for a passionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant. You will work closely with teachers and a multidisciplinary team to support pupils with SEMH needs in a nurturing, therapeutic environment.

Your role includes planning and delivering learning activities, monitoring progress, and contributing to pupil reviews to help each child achieve their potential. We value resilience, strong communication and safeguarding knowledge, with a focus on inclusive practice and

Qualifications

• HLTA status or equivalent qualifications/experience.
• Experience with SEMH, SEND and/or challenging behaviours.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Confident in planning and delivering learning activities independently.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities to individuals, groups or whole classes.
• Support personalised learning programmes and monitor pupil progress.
• Record progress and provide feedback to teachers and during pupil reviews.
• Contribute to target-setting processes for pupils.
• Support pupils with their social, emotional, behavioural and educational development.
• Promote positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing through relationships with staff and pupils.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, parents/carers and external professionals to meet pupils' needs.

Skills

HLTA status

SEMH experience

Positive relationships

Communication skills

Independent planning

Education

HLTA qualification or equivalent

Job description

MAKE A DIFFERNECE EVERY DAY

We are seeking a passionate, resilient and dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our specialist SEMH school. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs to achieve their full potential in a nurturing and therapeutic environment. Working closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will help create positive learning experiences that enable pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an established system of supervision. You will plan, prepare and deliver learning activities to individuals, small groups and whole classes, supporting pupils to engage, achieve and succeed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, preparing and delivering learning activities and interventions to individuals, groups and whole classes.
• Supporting the implementation of personalised learning programmes.
• Monitoring, assessing and recording pupil progress and providing feedback to teachers.
• Contributing to pupil reviews, reports and target-setting processes.
• Supporting pupils with their social, emotional, behavioural and educational development.
• Promoting positive behaviour, engagement and wellbeing through effective relationship building.
• Working collaboratively with teaching staff, parents/carers and external professionals to meet pupils' individual needs.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds HLTA status or has equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, SEND and/or challenging behaviours.
• Can build positive, trusting and professional relationships with pupils.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Is confident in planning and delivering learning activities independently.
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Remains calm, professional and solution-focused when faced with challenging situations.
• Is committed to helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve success.

Physical and Emotional Demands

This role is both physically and emotionally demanding and requires a high level of resilience, flexibility and commitment. The successful candidate will need to:

• Maintain sustained levels of concentration throughout the school day.
• Respond calmly, safely and effectively to challenging situations and behaviours.
• Support pupils who may present complex learning, behavioural, communication and emotional needs.
• Move regularly around the school site and participate in indoor and outdoor learning activities.
• Support pupils with mobility, independence and personal care needs where required.
• Undertake duties that may involve physical effort and prolonged periods of standing, walking or active supervision.
• Demonstrate patience, emotional resilience and the ability to maintain positive relationships in challenging circumstances.

What We Offer

The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people.

• A supportive, skilled and dedicated staff team.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A school culture that prioritises wellbeing, inclusion and positive outcomes for pupils.
• The chance to work in a rewarding and highly valued role.

Closing date: midnight 11 October

Interviews: TBC

We reserve the right to hold interviews before the closing date if we receive applications from people who match the person specification criteria.

The Castle School is 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 and is in line with guidance in KCSIE. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-disclosure form. Successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant checks including online searches to help to identify any incidents and/or issues which may be relevant to your suitability for the role, which the school may want to explore further with you.

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds HLTA status or has equivalent qualifications and experience.
• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, SEND and/or challenging behaviours.
• Can build positive, trusting and professional relationships with pupils.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Is confident in planning and delivering learning activities independently.
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Remains calm, professional and solution-focused when faced with challenging situations.
• Is committed to helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve success.