Higher Lever Teaching Assistant

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Walsall; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking school in Walsall seeks a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to provide personalized support for students with social and emotional needs. The role involves coordinating a team of Teaching Assistants and delivering tailored interventions. Candidates should possess HLTA status and strong interpersonal skills. This is a full-time position term time only with a fixed-term contract until August 2026, offering competitive pay and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Extensive professional development opportunities

Comprehensive employee benefits

Dynamic working environment

Qualifications

• Must have HLTA status or equivalent qualification.
• Experience leading interventions or small-group learning.
• Experience working with students with SEMH, anxiety, or communication needs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality support for students.
• Coordinate a small team of Teaching Assistants.
• Provide classroom and pastoral support.

Skills

Experience working with students with SEMH

Strong interpersonal skills

Emotional intelligence

Ability to lead a small team

Education

HLTA status or equivalent qualification

GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)

Job description

Walsall Studio School & Sixth
Full-Time, Term Time Only | Fixed Term until 31.8.26
Grade 6 SCP 15–23 (£25,939 – £29,749)
Closing Date: Monday 8th December 2025

About Us

Walsall Studio School & Sixth is a deliberately small, forward-thinking school for 14–19-year-olds passionate about creative pathways in performance, music, and media. Our unique environment mirrors a modern creative workplace, with flexible studio spaces and industry-standard facilities. As part of The Mercian Trust, we are committed to inclusion, aspiration, and professional standards, treating our students as young professionals and supporting them to thrive both personally and creatively.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, communication and interaction needs, and anxiety.

As HLTA, you will:

• Deliver high-quality, personalised support for students, including targeted small group and 1:1 interventions.
• Coordinate a small team of Teaching Assistants and Therapeutic Workers.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, the SEND team, external agencies, and parents/carers.
• Provide classroom and pastoral support, champion inclusion, and uphold safeguarding at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver and adapt interventions in line with student EHCPs.
• Support students in mainstream lessons, promoting independence and engagement.
• Lead, coach, and support a team of TAs and Therapeutic Workers.
• Act as a key adult for students, implementing trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches.
• Liaise with parents/carers and external professionals to ensure coordinated support.
• Maintain accurate records and support statutory processes.
• Engage in ongoing CPD and contribute to the development of others.

About You

Essential:

• HLTA status or equivalent qualification/experience.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above).
• Experience working with students with SEMH, anxiety, or communication needs.
• Experience leading interventions or small-group learning.
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead a small team.

Desirable:

• Further qualification in SEND, SEMH, or Trauma-Informed Practice.
• Experience in specialist or alternative education settings.
• Ability to deliver CPD or in-role coaching to others.

Our Offer to You

• A supportive, ambitious staff team and Trust network.
• Extensive professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive employee benefits, including health plans and staff discounts.
• A dynamic, creative, and forward-thinking working environment.

For an informal conversation or to arrange a visit, contact Angela Lingard, Executive PA and Office Manager, at [e-mail].

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies can be found on our website. This position is subject to appropriate vetting procedures including a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions as part of the recruitment process.