Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Valley College, Blackpool

Natspec; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley College in Blackpool is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to secure high-quality learning experiences for learners with complex needs. Working under the direction of qualified teachers and senior leaders, you will contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of learning, including targeted interventions.

The HLTA will lead within agreed frameworks, support teaching and learning, promote inclusive practice, and collaborate with therapists and pastoral teams to monitor

Qualifications

• Experience supporting learners with complex needs.
• Ability to deliver planned learning under supervision.
• Commitment to inclusion and pupil progress.

Responsibilities

• Lead learning within agreed frameworks, delivering lessons or interventions planned by a qualified teacher.
• Support high-quality teaching and learning, modelling effective practice.
• Promote positive relationships and behaviour using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
• Contribute to assessment and progress monitoring with feedback to inform planning.
• Champion inclusion and learner voice to support belonging and achievement.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, therapists and pastoral teams to deliver integrated support.
• Maintain high expectations to develop independence and self-regulation.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Restorative approaches

Collaboration

Assessment & feedback

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Valley College, Blackpool

The Higher-Level Additional Needs Teaching Assistant (HLTA) plays a pivotal role in securing high-quality learning experiences and outcomes for learners at Valley College. Working under the direction of qualified teachers and senior leaders.

Home » Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Valley College, Blackpool

Job title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Valley College, Blackpool
Salary: £25,552 – £28,470
Hours: 32.5
Main geographical location of role: Blackpool, Oracle
Closing date: 4 November 2026

Job Description

The Higher-Level Additional Needs Teaching Assistant (HLTA) plays a pivotal role in securing high-quality learning experiences and outcomes for learners at Valley College. Working under the direction of qualified teachers and senior leaders, the HLTA contributes to the planning, delivery and evaluation of learning, including the independent delivery of agreed programmes where appropriate.

Within our specialist setting, the HLTA is instrumental in promoting inclusion, engagement and progress for learners with complex needs. The role is focused on enabling learners to access a broad, balanced and meaningful curriculum, removing barriers to learning and supporting the development of PACE, Preparation for Adulthood, Citizenship and Employment.

The HLTA will:

• Lead learning within agreed frameworks, delivering lessons or targeted interventions planned by a qualified teacher, ensuring consistency with curriculum intent and individual learner needs
• Support high-quality teaching and learning, modelling effective practice and supporting other support staff to maintain high standards of provision
• Promote positive relationships and behaviour, using consistent, trauma-informed and restorative approaches that reflect the college’s ethos
• Contribute to assessment and progress monitoring, providing accurate feedback on learner engagement, learning and next steps to inform teaching and provision planning
• Champion inclusion and learner voice, ensuring that all learners experience a strong sense of belonging and are supported to achieve their potential academically, socially and emotionally
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, including teachers, therapists and pastoral teams, to deliver integrated support for learners
• Maintain high expectations, supporting learners to develop independence, self-regulation and readiness for the next stage of education or adulthood

This role is critical in ensuring that learners at Valley College receive a consistent, high-quality educational experience, with teaching and support aligned to Trust expectations.

This role will be based in Valley College Blackpool Monday- Friday