Higher Level Teaching Assistant X 2

Durham County Council; Ferryhill; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Woodlands, Ferryhill, County Durham, is recruiting two experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistants to support primary pupils who are excluded or at risk.

The roles involve work with individuals and groups, class cover, targeted interventions and transition reintegration across County Durham schools; travel between sites is required.

Applicants should hold an HLTA or Level 4+ qualification, be fluent in English, and be flexible for term-time plus two weeks pay.

Qualifications

• HLTA qualification or Level 4+ education-related qualification required.
• Experience with pupils who have behavioural, social and emotional needs.
• Ability to travel between The Woodlands sites and other County Durham schools.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals, groups and whole classes, including targeted interventions.
• Provide class cover and contribute to transition and reintegration work.
• Work with staff to support pupils re-engagement and independence.

Skills

HLTA qualification

Behaviour support

Relational skills

Education

HLTA qualification or Level 4+ education-related qualification

Job description

Permanent Contract – Full Time, 37 hours per week

Term Time Only plus 2 weeks

Required to start as soon as possible.

The Woodlands is County Durham’s pupil referral unit, supporting pupils who are excluded from school, at risk of exclusion or unable to attend mainstream education.

We are looking to appoint two experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistants to join our expanding provision for primary-aged pupils.

This is a varied role involving work with individuals, groups and whole classes, including class cover, targeted interventions and support for pupils with significant behavioural, social and emotional needs.

The postholder’s will also contribute to transition and reintegration work, including supporting pupils in other educational settings and sharing effective strategies with school staff.

We are looking for practitioners who are confident, relational and flexible, with an understanding of how trauma and adverse experiences can affect behaviour, regulation and engagement with learning. Successful candidates will have the skills to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, respond calmly and consistently in challenging situations, and adapt their approach to individual needs, helping pupils to re-engage with learning, develop greater independence and prepare successfully for their next stage of education.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Applicants must hold an HLTA qualification or relevant education-related qualification at Level 4 or above. Full essential and desirable criteria are set out in the person specification.

The Primary provision currently operates across two sites in Ferryhill. The role will also involve working in other schools across County Durham to support transition and reintegration, so applicants must be able to travel independently between The Woodlands sites and other schools. Working hours will be set in line with the needs of the provision and will include attendance at meetings, briefings and training as required.

Visits to the Primary provision are strongly encouraged and are available on:

• Friday 16 October 2026 at 10:00am
• Monday 19 October 2026 at 2:00pm
• Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 4:15pm
• Thursday 22 October 2026 at 4:00pm

To arrange a visit, please contact Jo Spark [e-mail].

Calculation of term time only plus two weeks’ pay

Term time only plus two additional weeks’ pay is calculated on the basis of the following:

• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Two additional weeks, inclusive of CPD – 2 weeks; plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)

Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:

Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 47 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments

Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service: 40 weeks (term time plus 2) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 48 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 1st November 2026. Interview date: Monday 23rd November 2026

The Woodlands

Broom Road, Ferryhill, Co Durham, DL17 8AN

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

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