Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – SEMH / Autism Support

Academics Ltd.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education support organization is looking for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in Chaldon, Surrey. This full-time role involves supporting young people with Autism and SEMH, promoting emotional well-being and academic success. The position offers a competitive salary of £27,700 – £30,250, a welcome bonus, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Access to well-being support programs

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with SEMH or related additional needs.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child development.
• Willingness to undertake Thrive training.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils' emotional regulation and social communication.
• Plan and deliver structured activities to promote engagement.
• Build strong relationships with young people.

Skills

Experience supporting young people with Autism

Emotional regulation support

Behaviour management

Social communication

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths - Grade 4/C or above

HLTA qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – SEMH / Autism Support

Location: Chaldon, Surrey (with potential travel to nearby sites)

Contract: Permanent, Term-Time Only (Full-Time – 40 hours per week)

Hours: 8.15am–4.45pm (Mon–Wed), 8.15am–5pm (Thurs), 8.15am–4pm (Fri)

Salary: £27,700 – £30,250 (£2000 WELCOME BONUS - dependent on experience and qualifications)

Start: January 2025 or sooner

About the Role

Academics are working in partnership with a specialist secondary setting in the Chaldon area, supporting young people aged 11–16 with additional needs including Autism, social communication difficulties and emotional regulation challenges.

We are seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to play a key role in supporting pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural development — helping them to thrive both personally and academically.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing school community at an early stage of its journey, contributing to the creation of a supportive, therapeutic and inclusive learning environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Support pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour and social communication through targeted interventions and group sessions.
• Plan and deliver structured activities to promote emotional well-being and engagement in learning.
• Work closely with the Pastoral Lead and SENDCo to implement strategies that meet pupils’ individual needs.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with young people, acting as a positive role model and mentor
• Support the delivery and embedding of the Thrive or other therapeutic approaches across the school.
• Contribute to assessment and planning for pupils’ social and emotional development.
• Promote an inclusive and nurturing environment where every student can succeed.

Requirements

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths – Grade 4/C or above.
• Experience supporting young people with Autism, SEMH or related additional needs.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child development and positive behaviour approaches.
• Thrive training or experience (desirable) – or a willingness to undertake training.
• HLTA qualification (or equivalent experience in a lead TA role).

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary with opportunities for progression.
• Ongoing professional development and funded training.
• Access to well-being and professional support programmes.
• Free parking and easy access from surrounding areas.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and helping them achieve their full potential, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply today or contact Sam Price @ Academics on 01483 366435 (or [e-mail]) for an informal discussion about the role.