Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Maternity Cover). Job in Wakefield Education & Training Jobs

Witherslack Group; Thorpe-on-the-Hill; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized educational organization in Thorpe-on-the-Hill seeks a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotional Health needs. Responsibilities include creating a nurturing environment and fostering self-esteem in students. Applicants need significant experience and relevant qualifications including NVQ Level 3 and HLTA. The role offers competitive pay, a range of attractive benefits, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.

Benefits

Full induction and on-the-job training

Full school holidays

Career progression opportunities

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing tools and advice

Medical cover

High-street discounts

Bonus for recommending a friend

Contributory pension matched up to 5%

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Teaching Assistant.
• Genuine passion for supporting children to learn.
• Ability to connect with diverse young people.

Responsibilities

• Work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health needs.
• Provide support to help them learn and develop their abilities.
• Create a safe classroom environment.

Skills

Experience as a Teaching Assistant

Passion for supporting children

Ability to plan meetings and work without supervision

Excellent communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 3

HLTA qualification or equivalent

Job description

Up to £27,528 + excellent benefits

Please note: this post is due to commence in April and is offered on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave until January 2027.

Those Huge Small Victories

Our higher level teaching assistants are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There's lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

Get out what you put in

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You’ll be there to help them learn, develop their abilities and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As a higher level teaching assistant at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well‑resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

One of the best environments in SEND

Hall Cliffe Primary School is an independent specialist day school providing high quality education, based in Wakefield. Recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

You’ll be working with children and young people who battle significant challenges. They may have a number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), trauma, Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Our children often display high levels of anxiety and are often displayed as verbal and physical aggression. You will need to be their rock. You’ll be a trauma‑informed practitioner. You’ll be there to help them feel safe, develop trusting relationships and learn. Some of our children have gaps in their education. You will need to be able to adapt learning so that it is suitable for all to achieve. You will be an outstanding practitioner who skilfully is able to create a classroom environment where children feel safe. You will need to be extremely resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

• Training: A full induction and on the job training
• Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts
• Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities – check out our schools here
• Recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
• Contributory pension: matched up to 5%

Bring your whole-self to work

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:
- Significant experience as a Teaching assistant
- Your genuine passion for supporting children to learn and the impact it can have on their lives
- Your enthusiasm and expertise to support your department
- Your ability to plan meetings, work without supervision and liaise with teachers to devise complementary learning activities.
- You’ll also need a relevant NVQ Level 3 and a HLTA qualification, or equivalent

Interested in joining us?

Our young people deserve the best possible future and we feel the same about our teams. You deserve to have the career you want, with a purpose‑led employer, in an environment that allows you to be yourself.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

For a full job description and person specification, please reference the official postings (link omitted). To view our ex‑offenders policy and child protection policy, please refer to the appropriate sections on the company website.