HLTA

Lancashire County Council; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

The Willow Tree Federation in Lancaster is seeking a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to lead and support a small group of Reception children with complex SEND needs. You will work closely with a specialist teacher to help plan for the needs of the group and ensure progress and inclusion with support from a teaching assistant.

The role requires EYFS and SEND knowledge, safeguarding understanding, and the ability to engage with parents and carers to support children's development.

Qualifications

• EYFS experience required.
• SEND experience required.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.
• Ability to observe, assess and plan for key children.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a small group of Reception children with complex SEND needs.
• Work with a specialist teacher to plan for group needs.
• Support inclusion and progress of the group with the help of a teaching assistant.

Education

NVQ Level 3 Equivalent

English Level 2

Mathematics Level 2

NVQ Level 4

Job description

HLTA - Full time - Temporary. The children are at the heart of everything we do at the Willow Tree Federation. We take a holistic approach to child development and we are privileged to support our children, families and the wider community to change and enhance lives. We celebrate the wide diversity of the backgrounds, beliefs, talents and interests of our children and we recognise learning happens in communities and empowers them.

As a federation at the heart of its community, we understand and respect the positive impact we can have. We plant the seed that grows the future! Here at the Willow Tree Federation in Lancaster we are looking for a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant to lead on and support a small group of children with complex send needs that will be joining our Reception class in September. As the Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, you will work with a specialist teacher to help plan for the needs of the children in the group. You will be supported by a teaching assistant to ensure the progress and inclusion of the children in the group. You will be working with children in reception with complex needs and an understanding of the EYFS curriculum, EHCPs and SEND is essential.

Benefits

• Excellent in-house and external training, opportunity to gain further qualifications, virtual learning and career progression opportunities.
• Benefits of working for Lancashire County Council such as holiday pay, pension opportunities and much more.
• Health and wellbeing services such as counselling, stress coaching and physiotherapy/ muscular-skeletal services.

Our schools

• Experienced and supportive staff
• Amazing children
• Non-teaching Headteacher
• Pupil Support Manager and SENDCo
• Large car park and large outdoor play areas
• Experienced senior leadership team and governing body
• An exciting and ‘hands on’ curriculum

The closing date is 12 noon on 23/11/2026

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

This position is part time, term time only, please note the salary quoted is full time equivalent. If successful, the salary received will be paid on a pro –rata basis.

Location Willow Lane Community Primary School, Willow Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 5PR (201 on roll)

Tel: [phone]

School website: www.willow.lancs.sch.uk

Essential Qualifications

• Recognised and relevant NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent
• Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English/Literacy and Mathematics/Numeracy

Desirable Qualifications

• NVQ Level 4 qualification
• HLTA Status or equivalent qualification

Essential Experience

• Passion to deliver high quality support and exciting learning opportunities.
• Whole class supervision, teaching or cover
• EYFS experience
• SEND experience
• EHCP experience
• A working understanding of child safeguarding
• Ability to develop relationships and communication with parents and carers
• Experience of observations, assessments and planning for your key children in line with EYFS/ TLPs

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working and caring for children across all phases
• Qualifications such as Paediatric First Aid and Moving & Handling

Equal Opportunities statement

An Equal Opportunities Employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community

Rehabilitation

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Lancashire County Council has a Handling of DBS Certificate Information Policy and a Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders this is available from the recruiting manager to applicants who are asked to complete a DBS application.