Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) SEMH Provision

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly PAYE

School hours

Permanent contract potential

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is seeking an experienced HLTA/Senior SEMH Teaching Assistant for a long-term position in Blackpool. You will support pupils with SEMH, ASC and ADHD, provide 1:1 and group interventions, and lead classroom cover when required.

You will work closely with classroom teachers, SENCO and the pastoral team to promote engagement, emotional regulation and resilience in vulnerable learners, with a calm, patient approach and a commitment to safeguarding.

Qualifications

• HLTA status (Level 4) or TA Level 3 with proven track record of whole-class cover and leading interventions.
• Experience in SEMH settings (school, AP, PRU or similar) is essential.
• Team Teach, MAPA or equivalent positive handling/de-escalation certification is highly desirable or willingness to training.
• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on Update Service or willingness to process DBS.
• Patient, resilient, empathetic and able to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide whole-class cover, PPA cover, and lead targeted interventions across key stages.
• Work 1:1 and in small groups with pupils with SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds or social-communication difficulties.
• Plan and adapt practical learning activities with teachers to keep pupils engaged.
• Implement positive behaviour management, de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches.
• Support emotional regulation, wellbeing and confidence as a trusted role model.
• Liaise with SENCO, pastoral team and parents/carers regarding progress and welfare.

Skills

Patience

Resilience

Empathy

Calm under pressure

Education

HLTA status (Level 4)

Teaching Assistant Level 3

Job description

Are you an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with a calm, resilient approach and a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners?

We are currently recruiting an experienced and dedicated HLTA / Senior SEMH Teaching Assistant for a long-term role within a specialist setting in Blackpool.

In this role, you will work closely with pupils who face challenges around Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH), neurodiversity (such as ASC and ADHD), and associated behavioural difficulties. You will play a pivotal part in raising engagement, providing targeted interventions, and covering whole-class teaching where required.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

• Provide whole-class cover, PPA cover, and lead targeted small-group interventions across key stages.

• Work 1:1 and in small groups with children who have complex SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or social-communication difficulties.

• Plan and adapt practical learning activities alongside classroom teachers to keep pupils engaged and focused.

• Implement positive behaviour management strategies, non-confrontational de-escalation, and trauma-informed approaches.

• Support pupils' emotional regulation, wellbeing, and confidence, acting as a trusted role model.

• Liaise with the SENCO, pastoral team, and parents/carers regarding student progress and welfare.

Who We Are Looking For

• Qualification: HLTA status (Level 4 equivalent) or an experienced Teaching Assistant (Level 3) with a proven track record of whole-class cover and leading interventions.

• Experience: Significant background working within an SEMH school, Alternative Provision (AP), Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), or specialist SEND setting.

• Behaviour Training: Team Teach, MAPA, or equivalent positive handling and de-escalation certification is highly desirable (or a willingness to undergo training).

• Mindset: Patient, resilient, empathetic, and capable of remaining calm under challenging circumstances.

• Safeguarding: Must hold or be willing to process an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service.

What's on Offer?

• Long-Term Stability: A secure, ongoing full-time placement with the possibility of transitioning to a permanent contract.

• Competitive Pay: Paid weekly via PAYE with no umbrella company deductions.

• Supportive Environment: Work within a dedicated, close-knit pastoral and multidisciplinary team.

• Work-Life Balance: Monday to Friday, school hours only, giving you weekends and holidays off.