Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Teaching Vacancies; Walsall; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern creative school in Walsall seeks a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to provide personalized support for students with special educational needs. The role involves leading a team of Teaching Assistants and working closely with teachers to foster an inclusive environment. Applicants should have HLTA status and a strong background in supporting students with social and emotional challenges. The position offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration with industry partners.

Benefits

Unique learning environment

Collaborative working ethos

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to professional development in inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted support to students with SEND.
• Lead and oversee a team of Teaching Assistants.
• Implement inclusive and safeguarding practices.

Skills

Small group interventions

Adaptation of resources

Assessment for learning

Trauma-informed practices

Student support

Education

HLTA status

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Salary: Grade 6 SCP 15 – 23 (£25,939 – £29,749)

Responsible to: Assistant Headteacher / SENDCo

Responsible for: Teaching Assistants / Students with SEND

Role Type: Support Staff

Contract Type: 37 hours per week, term time only

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Job Purpose

This is a unique opportunity to work with students with social, emotional and mental health needs, communication and interaction needs, and anxiety. As HLTA you will take a leading role in delivering high‑quality, personalised support for students at WSS, while also coordinating the work of a small, dedicated team of Teaching Assistants and Therapeutic workers. You will work collaboratively with teaching staff, the wider SEND team, external agencies, and parents/carers to ensure every student receives the individualised support they need to thrive in school and in the wider environment.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning Support

• Deliver targeted small group and 1:1 interventions across a range of subject areas and social/emotional needs, in line with student EHCPs.
• Support students in accessing learning in mainstream lessons, promoting independence, confidence, and engagement.
• Adapt resources and approaches to meet the specific learning profiles of students.
• Use assessment for learning techniques to track and respond to student progress.
• Work closely with teaching staff to implement support strategies and differentiate appropriately.
• Cover and deliver sessions in the absence of teaching staff.

Team Leadership

• Work with a team of Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Therapeutic Workers within the main school, overseeing their day‑to‑day deployment, support, and development.
• Contribute to meetings, support staff briefings and SEND planning and reviews.
• Lead by example in upholding the school’s ethos, expectations, and trauma‑informed practices.
• Provide coaching, modelling and in‑role support for the team to ensure consistently high‑quality practice.
• Work with the Assistant Headteacher SENDCo to evaluate provision and contribute to strategic development planning.

Student Support and Pastoral Care

• Act as a key adult and trusted figure for the caseload of WSS students.
• Implement trauma‑informed and attachment‑aware approaches to behaviour, communication, and regulation.
• Support students in managing their emotions, transitions, and relationships in school.
• Liaise with parents/carers and external professionals to ensure a coordinated support plan is in place.
• Contribute to risk assessments, pastoral plans, and the safe management of crisis situations.

Inclusion and Safeguarding

• Champion inclusive practice and student voice within the wider school community.
• Ensure that safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection policies are upheld at all times.
• Maintain accurate records and support statutory processes (EHCPs, annual reviews, etc.).
• Promote student attendance, punctuality, and readiness to learn.

Professional Development

• Engage in regular CPD linked to SEMH, autism, anxiety, neurodiversity, and inclusive education.
• Contribute to the development of others through mentoring, training, or sharing of best practice.
• Maintain HLTA status and undertake any additional qualifications or training as agreed.

Safeguarding Statement

The Walsall Studio School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and relevant employment checks. The post holder must act in line with safeguarding principles and actively promote a culture of vigilance and care.

What the School Offers Its Staff

Walsall Studio School and Sixth is a deliberately small, forward‑thinking school serving young people aged 14 to 19 who are passionate about creative pathways in performance, music, and media. We offer a unique learning environment that looks and feels like a modern creative workplace rather than a traditional school, with flexible studio spaces and industry‑standard facilities that reflect the real world our students are preparing to enter. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to inclusion, aspiration, and professional standards. We believe in treating our students as young professionals, helping them to thrive both personally and creatively through high expectations, trauma‑informed practice, and a deep understanding of the individual. Our culture is one where every student is known, seen, and supported. As a founding member of The Mercian Trust, we are proud to be part of a family of schools that share our belief in partnership, collaboration, and community. We work closely with industry partners, creative professionals, and local organisations to ensure our students gain not just qualifications, but authentic experiences that prepare them for the world beyond education.

If you share our values and want to help shape the next generation of creative professionals, we would love to hear from you.