Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Widnes

SWRAC; Widnes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

SWRAC in Widnes is seeking a dedicated Learning Support role to provide tutor and LSA cover during sickness or absence, delivering targeted learner interventions and supporting staff development to ensure high teaching standards.

The position involves classroom delivery, learner support, and mentoring across programmes, with a 9am–5pm schedule and a focus on safeguarding, inclusivity and achieving positive learner outcomes. This is a full-time role based in Widnes.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Safeguarding training appropriate to the role (or willingness to undertake).
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide tutor cover during sickness, annual leave, vacancies or other absence.
• Provide LSA cover to ensure continuity of learner support.
• Plan and deliver engaging learning activities meeting individual learner needs.
• Support delivery of accredited and non-accredited programmes.
• Deliver small group and one-to-one interventions to support learner progress.
• Support learners to achieve ILP, EHCP and RARPA targets.
• Promote learner independence, confidence and resilience.
• Support development of English, mathematics, employability and independence skills.
• Complete learner documentation and progress records accurately.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Level 2 English and Mathematics

Safeguarding training

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

At SWRAC, we empower individuals to thrive through practical and relevant educational programs. Our goal is to equip people with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become resilient, confident, and independent. We aim for them to grow in education, secure employment, or engage in meaningful activities, live healthily, be active and responsible citizens, and ensure their safety.

Location: Widnes, WA8 6DJ

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £31,354 a year

Job Description

The postholder will provide tutor and Learning Support Assistant (LSA) cover during periods of sickness, annual leave, vacancies or other absence, deliver targeted learner interventions, support the development of staff through training and mentoring, and work collaboratively with tutors, LSAs and centre leadership to ensure excellent teaching, learning and support across the provision.

The role combines specialist learner support, classroom delivery, staff mentoring and operational flexibility to help maintain continuity of provision and high standards of learner engagement, progress and wellbeing.

This role requires working full-time (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm with a 30-minute lunch break).

Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Provide tutor cover during periods of sickness, annual leave, vacancies or other absence.
• Provide LSA cover where required to ensure continuity of learner support.
• Plan and deliver engaging learning activities that meet individual learner needs.
• Support delivery of accredited and non-accredited programmes.
• Deliver small group and one-to-one interventions to support learner progress.
• Support learners to achieve Individual Learning Plan (ILP), EHCP and RARPA targets.
• Promote learner independence, confidence, resilience and preparation for adulthood outcomes.
• Support the development of English, mathematics, employability and independence skills across programmes.
• Complete learner documentation, reviews and progress records accurately and within required timescales.
• Assist in monitoring learner progress and identifying additional support requirements.
• Work alongside tutors and support staff to promote positive learner outcomes.

Learner Support and Intervention

• Lead targeted interventions for learners experiencing barriers to attendance, engagement, behaviour, wellbeing or achievement.
• Support implementation of behaviour support plans and learner support strategies.
• Build positive relationships with learners, parents/carers and external professionals.
• Attend annual reviews and professional meetings where required.
• Support learners to develop self-advocacy, communication and social skills.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and review of learner support plans.
• Promote learner wellbeing and positive mental health.

Staff Mentoring and Development

• Provide mentoring, coaching and day-to-day support for Learning Support Assistants.
• Support induction of new Learning Support Assistants.
• Deliver training sessions and workshops for LSAs and centre staff.
• Share good practice relating to SEND, learner engagement, communication and behaviour support.
• Support the implementation of organisational policies, procedures and quality standards.
• Identify development needs and work with the Centre Manager to support staff development.
• Model excellent practice in learner support and classroom delivery

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Support the delivery of high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across programmes.
• Assist with quality assurance activities, audits, observations and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure learner records are maintained accurately and updated in a timely manner.
• Contribute to EHCP reviews, learner progress monitoring and outcome reporting.
• Support implementation of safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Safety procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Uphold organisational policies and procedures at all times.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop positive relationships with parents, carers and external professionals.
• Liaise with external agencies where appropriate to support learner outcomes.
• Support partnership working across departments and centres.
• Represent the organisation professionally at meetings and events as required.

General Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of inclusion, aspiration and high expectations.
• Support the vision, values and ethos of SWRAC.
• Undertake training and professional development as required.
• Maintain professional boundaries and act as a positive role model for learners.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 2 English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Safeguarding training appropriate to the role (or willingness to undertake).
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Level 4 qualification.
• Teaching Assistant Level 4 qualification.
• Relevant Level 3 qualification in Education, Teaching Assistance, SEND or related field
• SEND qualification.
• Behaviour Support qualification.
• First Aid qualification.
• Understanding of RARPA, EHCPs and preparation for adulthood outcomes.

Requirement

• Candidates who do not already hold a Level 4 HLTA qualification must be willing to work towards achieving it within an agreed timescale.

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

• Understanding of SEND and the needs of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Understanding of safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Knowledge of behaviour support strategies and positive behaviour approaches.
• Understanding of learner-centred practice and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Understanding of preparation for adulthood outcomes.
• Awareness of the importance of learner wellbeing and mental health.

Desirable

• Knowledge of EHCP processes and annual reviews.
• Knowledge of RARPA and quality assurance requirements.
• Experience of supporting accredited learning.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with learners, families and professionals.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond flexibly to changing needs.
• Ability to motivate and engage learners with SEND.
• Ability to support and mentor staff effectively.
• Good IT and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver training and share good practice with colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience delivering staff training.
• Experience leading intervention programmes.
• Experience supporting quality improvement activities.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working with young people or adults with SEND.
• Experience providing classroom-based learner support.
• Experience supporting learners with behaviour, wellbeing or engagement needs.
• Experience of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Experience providing cover teaching or leading learning activities.
• Experience mentoring or supervising support staff.
• Experience delivering interventions to improve learner outcomes.
• Experience working within a specialist post-16 setting.
• Experience contributing to EHCP reviews and learner progress monitoring.

Personal Qualities

• Committed to inclusion and achieving positive outcomes for learners.
• Positive, professional and adaptable approach.
• High expectations for learner achievement and behaviour.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Enthusiastic and proactive.
• Reliable and flexible.
• Committed to continuous professional development.
• Excellent role model for learners and colleagues.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Supports and promotes the values and ethos of SWRAC.

SWRAC is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices will reflect this dedication. All successful candidates will undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, along with other relevant employment screening. We are also committed to ensuring genuine equality of opportunity in all aspects of our activities as an employer and educational provider. Please find our full Safeguarding Policy here.