Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust); Smarden; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative educational trust based in Smarden is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a supportive and collaborative team. You will assist in delivering engaging teaching, develop resources, and support individual learning needs. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a passion for education, and a commitment to inspire young learners. This is a fixed-term position until July 22, 2026, offering excellent professional development opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact on children's lives.

Benefits

Excellent ongoing CPD

Coaching and mentoring

Comprehensive induction programme

Friendly and supportive environment

Access to trust resources

Cycle to work scheme

Discount programs

Free eye tests

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Inspirational attitude towards education.
• Ability to develop relationships with young children.
• Team-oriented and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering engaging teaching.
• Support individual learning needs.
• Help develop resources and teaching strategies.

Skills

Great communicator

Understanding of educational needs

Enthusiastic and committed

Consistent approach

Committed to student achievement

Passionate about education

Job description

(Y)Our Opportunity

We are looking for an inspirational Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our supportive and collaborative team. You will assist in the delivery of engaging and innovative teaching within the classroom, on a one-to-one basis and in small groups. Working with the teacher you will assist with the development of appropriate resources, schemes of work and teaching strategies to ensure provisions support individual learning needs.

This is a fixed term contract until 22nd July 2026

This is no ordinary job, this is an opportunity to be part of something amazing, to inspire children and really make a difference. It’s not necessarily your experience that we’re most interested in, it’s your passion and commitment to our mission, ensuring every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education.

You will be extremely well supported, working alongside a devoted and inspiring team of teachers. This is a great role for someone who is looking to take their first steps into an exciting and rewarding career in education.

We are looking for someone who is:

• A great communicator who develops positive relationships with young children
• Understanding of the educational, welfare and social needs of the children whom we are supporting
• Enthusiastic and committed to working as part of a team
• Consistent in a calm and fair approach
• Committed to raise the achievement of all students of all abilities
• Passionate and dedicated in helping children reach their academic potential

Investing in our employees wellbeing and career development is a priority for us, we can offer you:

• Excellent ongoing CPD, career development and vast promotion opportunities across the trust
• Coaching and mentoring from the academy’s experienced leadership team
• A comprehensive induction programme
• Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a work life balance
• The opportunity to be part of exciting development and innovative change
• Access to trust resources and materials to help plan and deliver great lessons
• Cycle to work scheme
• TKAT Widerwallet discount program with a wealth of discounts
• Free eye tests
• Employee Assistance Programme - free & confidential advice on a variety of subjects ranging from physical and mental health to financial help

About Smarden Primary School

Smarden Primary School currently has 161 students from age 2-11 years. Smarden prides itself on high expectations for all in every aspect of school life, on achievement and excellence built on strong foundations of wellbeing. We are proud of our caring and nurturing family atmosphere, which is seen as integral to school life and where pupils feel safe; Staff know each individual child and build strong relationships with every family, so that children are fully included and well-supported both academically and pastorally, to find out more visit our website here.

To discover what makes Smarden so incredible, please arrange a visit by contacting the school office on 01233770316 or email [e-mail]

About TKAT

The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) is one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in the South & East of England with 45 Primary and Secondary Academies in the TKAT Family. Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership and learning for all. Within the #oneTKATfamily, the shared and common purpose is to work together as a community of schools to ensure that every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education. We place a high value on collaboration; 'achieving more together', giving staff the opportunity to come together and learn, ensuring a shared sense of purpose across our network and by sharing expertise across the TKAT family.

We have a flexible approach to interviews and can offer a range of dates and times to suit your personal circumstances.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications.

Safeguarding

TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

Flexible working

TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.

Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

At TKAT, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Access to interview

Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who