Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) / Teaching Assistant / Alternative Therapeutic Education

Elysian Animal Assisted Interventions Ltd; Shamley Green; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Casual dress

Company events

Workplace pension

Job summary

Elysian Animal Assisted Interventions Ltd in Shamley Green, Surrey, seeks a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) / Teaching Assistant for term-time 41 weeks. Salary £24,160 to £31,419 per year. You will support learners with SEND in outdoor, therapeutic education settings and lead animal-assisted learning activities.

Applicants should have relevant TA qualifications or SEN education credentials, plus experience with safeguarding and outdoor learning. DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• Three years' experience in a teaching assistant or learning support role.
• Experience with learners with SEND in an alternative or therapeutic education setting.
• Experience supporting children/young people with SEMH/behavioural difficulties.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and professional boundaries.
• Confidence working outdoors all year round in all weathers.
• Willingness to work with animals and learn about them.

Responsibilities

• Support individual and group learning in structured lessons and practical sessions.
• Help pupils achieve educational and therapeutic goals; adapt strategies to needs.
• Lead animal-assisted learning activities to build confidence and engagement.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and multidisciplinary teams for personalised plans.
• Keep accurate records of progress, participation and outcomes.
• Plan and deliver creative, hands-on sessions including farm activities and equine learning.
• Provide targeted support to improve attendance and engagement, including outreach.
• Offer pastoral support to develop emotional regulation and resilience.
• Supervise apprentices and volunteers where appropriate; foster a supportive team culture.
• Help keep the farm environment safe, secure and engaging for learning.

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent

HLTA qualification or SEN/education qualifications in specialist areas

Degree or higher education qualification in a relevant field

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) / Teaching Assistant / Alternative Therapeutic Education

Shamley Green, Surrey · Permanent, full-time, term-time. Term-time roles are worked over 41 weeks a year · Full-time, term-time (41 weeks)

Salary: £24,160 to £31,419 per year

Recruiting on a rolling basis, no fixed closing date

• support individual and group learning, both in structured lessons and through practical, experiential learning
• help children and young people achieve their educational and therapeutic goals, adapting strategies to meet individual needs
• lead animal-assisted learning activities that help children and young people build confidence, responsibility and engagement
• work with teachers, therapists and multidisciplinary teams to deliver personalised learning plans
• keep accurate and timely records of progress, participation and outcomes
• help plan and deliver creative, hands-on sessions that include farm activities, equine learning and alternative education approaches
• give targeted support to children and young people who find attendance and engagement difficult, including outreach where needed
• offer pastoral support, helping children and young people develop emotional regulation, resilience and positive coping strategies
• where appropriate, supervise apprentices and volunteers, contributing to a nurturing and supportive team culture
• help keep the farm environment safe, secure and engaging for learning.

What we are looking for

• at least three years' experience in a teaching assistant or learning support role
• experience of working with learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in an alternative, specialist or therapeutic education setting
• experience of supporting children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties
• a strong understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and child protection procedures
• confidence working outdoors all year round, in all weathers
• a willingness to work with animals and learn about them.
• a teaching assistant qualification, or equivalent
• an HLTA qualification, or relevant special educational needs (SEN) or education qualifications in specialist areas
• a degree or higher education qualification in a relevant field, or extensive equivalent experience
• an understanding of animal-assisted learning or therapy (training can be provided).

What we offer

Casual dress, company events, a workplace pension, and the chance to work in a dynamic outdoor learning environment.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All roles are subject to safeguarding scrutiny, including references and DBS checks, prior to commencing employment.

Elysian is committed to safer recruitment. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks.

All term-time roles work over 41 weeks, in line with Elysian's organisational calendar.