Higher Level Teaching Assistant ( HLTA )

Quest (A Church Of England Schools Trust); Wigan; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

QUEST Academy Trust is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support delivery of quality education for pupils. You will plan, prepare, and deliver tailored activities and provide high-quality PPA cover while supporting pupils with diverse SEND needs.

You will collaborate with staff, parents and external agencies to promote progress and wellbeing, lead other TAs, and contribute to social, emotional and personal development in a values-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Commitment to meeting the needs of children with diverse and complex SEND.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with pupils, staff and families.
• Experience or willingness to develop skills in behaviour management and personalised learning plans.
• Confidence to lead and motivate others, including fellow teaching assistants.
• Proactive professional development and passion for continuous learning.
• Qualifications meeting HLTA standards, with excellent literacy and numeracy skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver tailored learning activities for individuals, small groups, or whole classes.
• Support pupils with complex SEND, including autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, and learning difficulties.
• Lead and develop specialist areas within the school, and lead other teaching assistants.
• Provide high-quality cover for teacher planning, preparation, and assessment (PPA) time.
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure every pupil’s progress and well-being.
• Contribute to pupils’ social, emotional and personal development in a safe and supportive environment.

Skills

Communication

Behaviour management

Lead teaching assistants

PPA delivery

Professional development

Education

HLTA standards

Job description

About the Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at QUEST Academy Trust, you will work closely under the direction of senior staff to support the delivery of quality education for pupils . This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference by:

• Planning, preparing, and delivering tailored learning activities for individuals, small groups, or whole classes
• Supporting pupils with complex SEND, including those with autism, social, emotional, and mental health needs, and learning difficulties
• Managing and developing specialist areas within the school, and leading other teaching assistants
• Providing high-quality cover for teacher planning, preparation, and assessment (PPA) time
• Contributing to pupils’ social, emotional, and personal development in a safe and supportive environment
• Collaborating with staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure every pupil’s progress and well-being

This role demands creativity, patience, and commitment, offering you the chance to develop your expertise while playing a vital role in shaping the educational journey of our pupils.

About You

You are a dedicated professional who believes every pupil deserves the chance to succeed. You will bring:

• A commitment to meeting the needs of children with diverse and complex SEND
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and families
• Experience or willingness to develop skills in behaviour management and delivering personalised learning plans
• Confidence to lead and motivate others, including fellow teaching assistants
• A proactive approach to your own professional development and a passion for continuous learning
• Qualifications meeting HLTA standards, with excellent literacy and numeracy skills
• Flexibility, resilience, and a genuine enthusiasm for working within a supportive, values-driven Trust

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our commitment to inclusion, respect, and the highest standards of education and care.

What We Offer

• Wellness day - An additional days leave to dedicate to your own wellbeing
• Local Government pension scheme
• The chance to work within a growing, successful multi-academy Trust with a clear vision and strong values
• Opportunities for professional development
• A supportive and collaborative working environment where your contributions are valued
• See our benefits brochure for further information