Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Tradewind Recruitment; Penwortham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An education recruitment agency is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a specialist SEMH school in Preston, England. The role is full-time and requires immediate availability, providing vital support for students with emotional and mental health needs. Candidates must hold Level 4 HLTA status or a relevant degree, exhibit crisis management skills, and establish effective relationships with vulnerable learners. The position offers a daily rate of £110-140 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 4 HLTA status or equivalent experience.
• Commitment to be available 5 days a week.
• Experience in SEMH, PRU, or SEND settings.
• Enhanced DBS certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Lead lessons across the curriculum as needed.
• Manage challenging behaviour using trained techniques.
• Monitor and track student engagement.
• Build rapport with vulnerable learners.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Relationship building

Progress tracking

Immediate class cover

Education

Level 4 HLTA status

Degree with significant classroom experience

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - SEMH Specialist

Location: Preston, Lancashire

Agency: Tradewind Recruitment

Salary: 110 - 140 per day (dependent on experience)

Contract: Full-time (5 days a week)

Start Date: Immediate / As Soon As Possible

The Opportunity

Are you a resilient and proactive HLTA looking for a meaningful role in a specialist setting? Tradewind Recruitment is urgently seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join an established SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) school in Preston.

This position is available for an immediate start. The school is looking for a professional who can hit the ground running, providing vital stability for pupils who require consistent support and a calm, structured environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Immediate Class Cover: Step in to lead lessons across the curriculum when required, ensuring learning continues seamlessly in the teacher's absence.
• Crisis De-escalation: Use expert communication and physical intervention training (e.g., Team-Teach) to manage challenging behaviours safely and effectively.
• Progress Tracking: Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to monitor student engagement and adjust support strategies in real-time.
• Relationship Building: Quickly establish rapport with vulnerable learners to help them manage their emotional well-being and academic tasks.

Requirements

• Qualifications: Level 4 HLTA status or a degree with significant classroom experience.
• Availability: Must be able to commit to 5 days a week and be ready to start as soon as possible.
• Experience: Previous experience within an SEMH, PRU, or SEND setting.
• Compliance: You must hold an enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to apply for a new one.

How to Apply

If you are ready to make an immediate impact in a Preston school, we want to hear from you today.

For more information or to apply, please contact Christina Grindy on (phone number removed) or email (url removed).