Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Tiverton School

Coventry City; Coventry; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Coventry City Council is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for Tiverton School in Coventry. The role focuses on supporting pupils with Autism and complex needs in a nurturing, highly specialist environment. Experience with PECS, Makaton, AAC, and visual supports is valued.

The HLTA will lead classroom staff, collaborate with teachers and therapists, and help pupils develop communication, independence, and life skills for adulthood.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND, Autism, or complex needs.
• Calm, patient, and able to respond positively in challenging situations.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers and therapists to deliver highly personalised learning.
• Support pupils with communication using PECS, Makaton, AAC, and visual supports.
• Lead and support classroom staff within the class team.
• Promote emotional regulation, independence, and positive behaviour strategies.
• Support with personal care, sensory regulation, and therapeutic approaches.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Safeguarding

Teamwork

SEND experience

Education

Level 4 HLTA

Job description

Jobs and careers with Coventry City Council

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Tiverton School

What is the job role?

What is the job role?

Are you passionate about supporting pupils with complex Autism and communication needs to thrive in a nurturing and highly specialist environment?

Tiverton School is seeking a dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Senior Support Staff (HLTA) member to join our Constructive Pathway classes. This role is ideal for someone with experience supporting pupils with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), complex communication needs, sensory processing differences, and emotional regulation difficulties.

Who are we looking for?

The Constructive Pathway supports pupils who require highly personalised approaches to learning, communication, regulation, and independence. Pupils within this pathway may be pre-verbal or minimally verbal and benefit from structured, low-arousal environments alongside consistent, relationship-based support.

As a Senior Support Staff member, you will:

• Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists to deliver highly personalised learning experiences
• Support pupils with communication using approaches such as PECS, Makaton, AAC, and visual supports
• Lead and support classroom support staff within the class team
• Promote emotional regulation, independence, and positive behaviour strategies
• Support with personal care, sensory regulation, and therapeutic approaches throughout the school day
• Help create engaging, safe, and structured learning environments tailored to pupils’ individual needs
• Build strong relationships with families and professionals to ensure consistent support for pupils

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEND, particularly Autism and complex needs
• Is calm, patient, and able to respond positively in challenging situations
• Understands the importance of communication, regulation, and sensory needs
• Can lead by example and support colleagues within the classroom team
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils

The successful candidate will join a supportive and passionate team committed to ensuring every pupil develops communication, independence, emotional wellbeing, and life skills to prepare them for adulthood.

Relevant qualifications such as Level 4/HLTA (or willingness to work towards this) and previous SEND experience are desirable.

Work pattern:35 hours per week, 39 weeks per year.

Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply. This does not prevent individuals with or without other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS, all relevant safeguarding and pre-employment clearances, and the receipt of two satisfactory references.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Tiverton School

• Salary G5 £24,251 - £29,199 (Over 5 year CS with LA £24800 - £29861)
• Frequency Annual
• Job Reference coventrycc/TP/94870/13294
• Contract Type Full Time Permanent
• Closing Date 20 October, 2026
• Job Category Schools/Academies - Support Staff Roles
• Business Unit Schools – Special
• Location Coventry, United Kingdom (Incl. Northern Ireland)