Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Balfor Recruitment; Walsall; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily pay

Ongoing role starting Sept 2026

Work across Primary & Secondary

Job summary

Balfor Recruitment is seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a thriving all-through school in Walsall, starting September 2026. The role covers both Primary and Secondary pupils and is full-time and ongoing.

You will support pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs and in Alternative Provision settings, working closely with teachers and pastoral staff to promote positive learning, emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Qualifications

• HLTA status or equivalent qualification/experience – Essential.
• Experience working as HLTA or in a similar senior education support role.
• Experience working within SEMH, Alternative Provision, PRU or specialist education settings – Essential.
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to supporting pupils.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent and professional when managing challenging situations.
• Strong adaptability and resilience when working with pupils with varied needs.
• Excellent communication skills with pupils, teachers, families and external professionals.
• The confidence to deliver pre-planned lessons and supervise classes.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, resilience and the development of positive social skills.
• Assisting teachers with adapting lessons, activities and learning resources to meet individual pupil needs.
• Contributing to and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments.
• Supervising whole classes during short-term teacher absence.
• Delivering pre-planned lessons and learning activities in line with school expectations.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and overcome barriers to learning.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Acting as a trusted key adult, building positive relationships with pupils and providing consistent emotional support.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, engagement and behaviour.
• Providing feedback to teachers and relevant professionals regarding pupil progress.
• Managing challenging behaviour using appropriate behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Following the school’s behaviour, safeguarding and risk management policies.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, families and external professionals where appropriate.

Skills

Behaviour management

Emotional support

Lesson delivery

Team collaboration

Pastoral support

Education

HLTA status

SEMH/PRU experience

Job description

HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)

Job Role: HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Duration: Ongoing, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £120–£125 Per Day

HLTA Job

Are you an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) looking for your next opportunity in Walsall? Do you have experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs or within Alternative Provision (AP) settings?

Balfor Recruitment is currently recruiting for an experienced HLTA to join a thriving all-through school in Walsall from September 2026. This is a full-time, ongoing opportunity working with both Primary and Secondary pupils.

The successful Higher Level Teaching Assistant will play an important role in supporting pupils with a range of educational, behavioural and emotional needs. You will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to help pupils access learning, develop positive behaviours, build resilience and achieve their potential.

This role would be particularly well suited to an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant or Teaching Assistant who has previous experience working with pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs or in Alternative Provision.

The School & Role

The school is situated within a vibrant community in Walsall and is committed to providing a supportive, consistent and inclusive education for pupils across both Primary and Secondary phases. It places a strong emphasis on positive mental health, emotional wellbeing and academic achievement, creating an environment where pupils feel safe, respected and supported.

As an HLTA, you will provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support, deliver pre-planned lessons and supervise whole classes when required. You will also support pupils with behaviour management, emotional regulation and social development.

The school is committed to developing a respectful, inclusive and caring ethos, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced HLTA who is passionate about helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning.

HLTA Responsibilities

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, resilience and the development of positive social skills.
• Assisting teachers with adapting lessons, activities and learning resources to meet individual pupil needs.
• Contributing to and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments.
• Supervising whole classes during short-term teacher absence.
• Delivering pre-planned lessons and learning activities in line with teacher instructions and school expectations.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and overcome barriers to learning.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Acting as a trusted key adult, building positive relationships with pupils and providing consistent emotional support.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, engagement and behaviour.
• Providing feedback to teachers and relevant professionals regarding pupil progress and development.
• Managing challenging behaviour using appropriate behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Following the school’s behaviour, safeguarding and risk management policies.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, families and external professionals where appropriate.

HLTA Requirements

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• HLTA status or equivalent qualification/experience – Essential.
• Previous experience working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or in a similar senior education support role.
• Experience working within SEMH, Alternative Provision, PRU or specialist education settings – Essential.
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• A nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to supporting pupils.
• The ability to remain calm, consistent and professional when managing challenging situations.
• Strong adaptability and resilience when working with pupils with varied needs.Excellent communication skills when working with pupils, teachers, families and external professionals.
• The confidence to deliver pre-planned lessons and supervise classes when required.
• A genuine passion for supporting pupils to achieve their educational and personal potential.

What You’ll Get in Return

As an HLTA working with Balfor Recruitment, you will receive:

• Competitive daily pay of £120–£125 per day.
• A full-time, ongoing opportunity from September 2026.
• The opportunity to work across both Primary and Secondary phases.
• Valuable experience supporting pupils with SEMH, challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• The opportunity to develop your experience within a thriving Walsall school.
• Support from an experienced education recruitment consultant.
• Access to further HLTA, Teaching Assistant and education support roles across Walsall and the West Midlands.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.

We are committed to Safer Recruitment, and all appointments are subject to the required vetting procedures, including a DBS check where applicable.

Balfor Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.