Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

TeacherActive Limited.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

TeacherActive is seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a specialist SEND school in Kensington and Chelsea, West London. Immediate start, with a Full-Time or Temporary/Long-Term contract.

You will support pupils with Autism and complex learning needs, delivering pre-planned lessons under the direction of the class teacher. Join a dedicated team in a structured environment, providing 1:1 and small-group interventions, using PECS/Makaton where appropriate and

Qualifications

• HLTA qualification or substantial HLTA-level experience.
• Experience in a SEND school or specialist setting.
• Experience supporting pupils with Autism and complex needs.
• Confident in leading activities and delivering lessons when required.
• Knowledge of PECS, Makaton or AAC is advantageous.
• Strong safeguarding and behaviour management understanding.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with Autism and complex learning needs.
• Lead classroom activities and deliver pre-planned lessons.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group interventions.
• Support planning, preparing and delivering differentiated learning activities.
• Use PECS, Makaton, visual timetables and AAC when appropriate.
• Promote positive behaviour and independence.
• Develop social interaction and essential life skills.
• Contribute to EHCPs and collaborate with staff.

Skills

HLTA qualification

SEND school experience

Autism support

PECS

Makaton

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – SEND School

Location: Kensington and Chelsea, West London
Start Date: Immediate Start
Contract: Full-Time | Temporary / Long-Term
Salary: Competitive daily rates (dependent on experience)

Are you an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with a passion for supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Do you have experience working with pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication difficulties and complex learning needs?

Are you a confident and enthusiastic HLTA looking for a rewarding opportunity within a specialist SEND school?

TeacherActive is proud to be recruiting for a dedicated and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a specialist SEND school in Kensington and Chelsea, West London.

The school supports children and young people with Autism and associated learning, communication and sensory needs, providing a highly structured, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate HLTA to make a meaningful difference to pupils' educational development, independence and overall wellbeing.

The Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), you will:

Support pupils with Autism, communication difficulties and complex learning needs.

Lead classroom activities and deliver pre-planned lessons under the direction of the class teacher.

Provide 1:1 and small-group interventions tailored to individual learning needs.

Support teachers with planning, preparing and delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities.

Use communication strategies such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables and AAC where appropriate.

Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation and sensory development.

Support pupils in developing independence, social interaction and essential life skills.

Contribute to the implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other support professionals.

Supervise and support classroom activities, maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

HLTA qualification or substantial experience working at HLTA level.

Previous experience working within a SEND school or specialist educational setting.

Experience supporting pupils with Autism, learning difficulties and complex needs.

Confidence in leading classroom activities and delivering lessons independently when required.

Knowledge of alternative communication methods such as PECS, Makaton or AAC would be advantageous.

A strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management and SEND best practices.

Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills.

A patient, adaptable and proactive approach to supporting pupils.

The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues and parents.

In Return for the Above, You Can Expect:

A dedicated team of consultants available 24/7 to support you throughout your placement.

Access to a wide range of CPD courses and professional development opportunities.

Competitive rates of pay.

The opportunity to work within a supportive and specialist SEND environment.

Valuable experience supporting pupils with Autism and complex learning needs.

A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to young people's lives.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and professional references. We pride ourselves on excellent service. We can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with competitive rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.