Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Totalwellnessacupuncture; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 1,538,000 - 1,893,000; Full time

Job summary

North West London Specialist SEN School is seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join the team on a full-time basis. You will lead learning activities, deliver targeted interventions and support pupils with Autism and complex needs within a highly specialist setting.

You will work closely with teachers, therapists and senior leaders to deliver interventions, support EHCP outcomes and guide other TAs. A proactive, safeguarding-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a specialist SEN school or similar environment.
• Experience supporting pupils with autism and complex learning needs.
• Ability to lead learning activities and interventions independently.
• Strong understanding of EHCPs and personalised learning approaches.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality learning activities and targeted interventions across curriculum areas.
• Lead small-group and whole-class sessions in the absence of the class teacher when required.
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual pupil needs with planning support.
• Collaborate with staff to implement personalised learning programmes and EHCP targets.
• Promote communication, independence, and social development.

Skills

SEN experience

Lead learning

Communication

EHCP knowledge

Behaviour management

Education

HLTA qualification or equivalent

Tools

AAC

Makaton

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Autism & Complex Needs

North West London | Specialist SEN School | Full-Time | Long-Term Opportunity

£650 - £800 per week | Immediate or September Start

Are you an experienced SEN professional ready to take the next step into a Higher Level Teaching Assistant role?

Do you have the confidence to lead learning, deliver targeted interventions and support pupils with Autism and complex needs to achieve meaningful outcomes?

Would you thrive within a highly specialist setting where education, therapy and personalised support work together to maximise every pupil's potential?

A specialist SEN school in North West London is seeking a dedicated and proactive Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join their team on a full‑time basis.

The school supports children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), speech and language needs, sensory processing differences and associated social, emotional and behavioural needs. The provision is recognised for its therapeutic approach, multidisciplinary working and highly personalised curriculum.

As a HLTA, you will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning across the school. You will work closely with teachers, therapists and senior leaders to deliver targeted interventions, support EHCP outcomes and lead learning activities for individuals, small groups and whole classes when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality learning activities and targeted interventions across a range of curriculum areas
• Lead small-group and whole-class sessions in the absence of the class teacher where appropriate
• Support the planning, preparation and adaptation of learning activities to meet individual pupil needs
• Work closely with teaching staff to implement personalised learning programmes and EHCP targets
• Promote communication, independence, emotional regulation and social development
• Support pupils using a range of communication approaches, including AAC, visual supports, Makaton and communication systems where appropriate
• Assist in monitoring pupil progress and maintaining accurate records of learning and development
• Contribute to annual reviews, pupil assessments and wider support planning
• Model best practice and provide guidance to Teaching Assistants within the classroom
• Collaborate with Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other professionals to ensure consistent support strategies
• Support positive behaviour approaches and therapeutic interventions
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion throughout the school
• Provide personal care and physical support where required

About You

The successful candidate will be an experienced SEN practitioner with strong classroom skills and a passion for supporting pupils with complex additional needs.

You may currently be working as a:

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
• Senior Teaching Assistant
• Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant
• Learning Mentor
• Intervention Lead
• Autism Specialist Practitioner
• Behaviour Mentor
• Cover Supervisor within an SEN setting

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience working within a specialist SEN school or similar environment
• Experience supporting pupils with Autism and complex learning needs
• Confidence leading learning activities and interventions independently
• Strong understanding of EHCPs and personalised learning approaches
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to adapt learning and communication methods to meet diverse needs
• Calm, resilient and nurturing approach
• Strong behaviour support and classroom management skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education

Desirable

• HLTA qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience supporting pupils with SLD, PMLD, SEMH or complex communication needs
• Knowledge of AAC, PECS, Makaton or other alternative communication systems
• Experience working alongside therapists and multidisciplinary teams

What the School Offers

• A highly supportive and experienced leadership team
• Specialist SEN training and ongoing professional development
• Opportunity to work alongside therapists and specialist practitioners
• Clear progression opportunities within a growing specialist provision
• A collaborative and therapeutic working environment
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEN professional looking to progress into a HLTA position within a highly specialist setting that places pupil development, communication and wellbeing at the heart of everything it does.