Higher Level Teaching Assistant - SEND & Specialist Support

Aspire People; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant to work in primary settings across Manchester and surrounding areas from November 2026. You will lead structured learning sessions, deliver targeted interventions and support pupils with SEND.

The role requires a recognised HLTA qualification or equivalent, recent UK school experience, strong communication and safeguarding awareness, and the ability to coordinate classroom support with teachers and SENCOs.

Qualifications

• HLTA qualification or equivalent required.
• UK school experience within the last two years preferred.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND.
• Experience leading activities or coordinating support.
• Strong communication, organisation and safeguarding awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured learning sessions and targeted interventions.
• Support pupils with autism, communication needs and developmental delays.
• Adapt activities to suit individual abilities.
• Encourage engagement, communication and independence.
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Coordinate classroom support and daily routines.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and support staff.
• Provide personal care support where required.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

Safeguarding

SEND experience

Education

HLTA qualification

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant - SEND & Specialist Support

Manchester & Surrounding Areas November 2026 Onwards Specialist Support Opportunities Aspire People

Aspire People are seeking experienced and qualified higher-level support practitioners to work with primary schools supporting pupils with SEND and additional learning needs.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can combine strong practical SEND experience with the ability to lead activities, adapt learning and support other members of the classroom team.

The Role:

• Leading structured learning sessions and targeted interventions
• Supporting pupils with autism, communication needs and developmental delays
• Adapting activities to suit individual abilities
• Encouraging engagement, communication and independence
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Helping coordinate classroom support and daily routines
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and support staff
• Supporting personal care where required

Essential Requirements:

• A recognised HLTA qualification or equivalent relevant qualification and experience appropriate to the responsibilities
• Relevant UK-based school experience within the last two years
• Practical experience supporting pupils with SEND
• Experience leading activities, groups or coordinating support
• Strong communication, organisation and safeguarding awareness

Experience in specialist provisions, autism support or complex-needs settings is desirable.

If you are an experienced practitioner looking for a new challenge from November 2026 onwards, we would love to hear from you.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.