Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council; Wales; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Wales is seeking a committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The role involves delivering literacy interventions and contributing to a trauma-informed learning environment. Ideal candidates will demonstrate resilience, flexibility, and emotional support skills. The position offers competitive pro-rata pay and a collaborative professional setting, aiming to make a significant impact on young people's lives.

Benefits

High-quality professional development

Supportive staff environment

Opportunity to make a positive impact

Qualifications

• Experience in a school or PRU environment supporting students with challenging behaviours.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted literacy interventions across the PRU.
• Support assessment and progress tracking with teaching staff.
• Develop pupil profiles and individual development plans.

Skills

Literacy intervention delivery

Emotional support skills

Behaviour management

Education

Level 4 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Ty Dysgu Pupil Referral Unit
Market Street
Dowlais
Merthyr Tydfil
CF48 3HW

Head Of Centre: Simon Pardoe

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Level 4 – Grade 5 SCP 18–22
£31,537 – £33,699 p.a. pro rata

32.5 hours per week (76.82% of FTE)
(Pro rata approx. £24,227 – £25,888 p.a.)

Required for February 2026 (or as soon as possible)

The Management Committee of Ty Dysgu PRU is seeking to appoint an outstanding, resilient and enthusiastic HLTA to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled practitioner who is passionate about supporting pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs.

The successful candidate will work across both our Primary and Secondary sites and will deliver targeted literacy interventions, support teaching and learning, and contribute to behaviour, wellbeing and family liaison work. The role includes occasional whole‑class supervision under an agreed system of management, in line with HLTA expectations.

Ty Dysgu is a fast‑paced, trauma‑informed environment where flexibility, warmth and professionalism are essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver targeted literacy interventions across the PRU.
• Support teaching staff through assessment, progress tracking and adapting learning activities.
• Contribute to the development of pupil profiles, IDPs, PSPs and reintegration plans.
• Provide skilled behaviour and emotional regulation support using trauma‑informed, restorative approaches.
• Assist in creating a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment that meets individual needs.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and families, supporting home–school communication.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes, attending multi‑agency meetings where appropriate.
• Support teachers in preparing resources, assessments and classroom organisation.
• Assist with crisis response and the safe management of challenging situations.
• Participate in whole‑school initiatives, enrichment activities and multi‑agency collaboration.
• Uphold the ethos, policies and values of Ty Dysgu PRU at all times.

What We Offer

• Pupils who benefit greatly from positive, consistent relationships
• A supportive and committed multi‑professional staff team
• A strong, caring ethos grounded in trauma‑informed practice
• Opportunities to make a life‑changing difference to young people
• High‑quality professional learning and development
• A positive, collaborative working environment

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026

Shortlisting – Monday 26th January 2026

Lesson Observations/ Interviews – Monday 2nd February 2026.

Application forms can be completed online at www.merthyr.gov.uk

If you do not have access to the internet, application forms can be obtained by telephoning 01685 725000 and are to be returned no later than Friday 23rd January 2026 to HR Administration, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN.

Email: [e-mail]

Ability to speak Welsh is desirable.

Ty Dysgu PRU and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is committed to protecting and safeguarding the most vulnerable people in our community. Rigorous pre‑employment checks are undertaken for all appointments as part of our recruitment and selection process.

All employees are required to comply with their individual and organisational responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, the Information Security Policy and relevant supporting operational policies. Any matters of a confidential nature must not be disclosed or passed to any unauthorised persons or third party under any circumstance either during or after employment except in the proper course of your employment or as required by law, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or both. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.

We value diversity in our workforce and consider ourselves to be an Employer of Choice, committed to promoting and integrating equality of opportunity into all aspects of our work. We welcome applications from everyone and encourage applicants from all groups and backgrounds to apply and join us at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. We are strongly committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace and ensure that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, disability, sex, race, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, gender identity and expression, and pregnancy and maternity.