HLTA

TipTopJob; Lewes; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist independent school in Lewes seeks a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. This rewarding role involves collaboration with teachers and professionals to deliver impactful educational strategies to foster student growth and achievement. Applicants should have an HLTA qualification and experience in special needs education.

Benefits

Clear pathways for career progression

Competitive salary

Extensive training and qualification opportunities

Small class sizes with specialist TA support

Flexible pension scheme

Regular supervision

Employee benefits and wellbeing services

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people with SEMH and SEND.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver effective learning activities.
• Good understanding of English and Maths.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver learning activities under the direction of a teacher.
• Supervise classes during short-term teacher absences.
• Work intensively with students on a 1:1 basis or in small groups.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication

Teamwork

Resilience

Empathy

Education

HLTA qualification or equivalent

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Specialist Independent School (Lewes, East Sussex)

Are you an experienced and highly skilled teaching assistant ready to take on greater responsibility and make a significant impact in a specialist setting?

We are an independent specialist school in Lewes, East Sussex, dedicated to providing a high-quality, therapeutic, and child-centred education for pupils aged 10 to 19. Our students present with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH), and many also have associated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.

About The Role:

This is a vital and rewarding role within our trauma and attachment-informed organisation. As an HLTA, you will play a key part in our collaborative team, which places the child at the centre of all decision-making. You will work closely with teachers, therapy professionals, parents/carers, and local authority teams to help secure outstanding outcomes for our students.

The work is both varied and challenging. Our students require exceptional individuals who can support them with their complex needs and often challenging behaviours. You will bring a deep understanding of the attention, communication, consistency, and flexibility required, all delivered with a non-judgemental approach. Your resilience, persistence, and solution-focused mindset will be crucial in empowering our pupils.

Key Responsibilities:

* Leading Learning: Plan, prepare, and deliver learning activities for individuals, groups, or whole classes under the direction and supervision of a teacher.
* Cover Supervision: Supervise classes during short-term teacher absences, ensuring continuity of learning.
* Student Support: Work intensively with students on a 1:1 basis or in small groups, implementing tailored educational and therapeutic strategies.
* Curriculum Contribution: Contribute to the planning and development of specific areas of the curriculum, bringing your expertise and creativity.
* Assessment & Reporting: Support teachers in assessing pupil progress, recording data, and contributing to reports.
* Resource Management: Manage and prepare classroom resources, including the use of ICT.
* Mentoring & Support: Potentially guide and support other Teaching Assistants within the team.
* Positive Behaviour Management: Implement effective behaviour management strategies in line with the school's therapeutic approach, ensuring student safety during heightened behaviours.
* Enrichment Activities: Lead and support educational trips, visits, and in-school activities designed to develop social skills and broaden learning experiences.
* Creating a Positive Environment: Contribute to creating stimulating displays and a learning environment that supports teaching and therapeutic goals.
* Celebrating Success: Actively participate in recognising and celebrating student achievements.
* Professional Development: Engage fully in therapeutic training, professional development opportunities, and reflective practice.

We Value Our HLTAs:

You will be an integral and highly valued member of our team. We actively encourage HLTAs to contribute their insights and expertise to the ongoing development of our school, including our academic and extra-curricular offerings. Your leadership potential and passion for education will be nurtured.

Essential Requirements:

* HLTA qualification or equivalent experience.
* Significant experience working with children and young people with SEMH and SEND.
* Proven ability to plan and deliver effective learning activities.
* Strong classroom and behaviour management skills, with a therapeutic and understanding approach.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
* A resilient, patient, empathetic, and solution-focused mindset.
* A good understanding of English and Maths.
* Due to the school's location, applicants must hold a valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

Benefits and Rewards:

* The opportunity to develop and grow your career within our community, with clear pathways for progression.
* A competitive salary reflecting your skills and experience.
* Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities.
* Small class sizes with specialist TA support.
* The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort, and potential, and actively grows its own leadership teams.
* Flexible pension scheme.
* Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision.
* Access to an employee benefit service with wellbeing services and salary sacrifice schemes.

If you are a dedicated and experienced HLTA looking for a challenging and deeply fulfilling role where you can lead, inspire, and make a profound difference, we encourage you .

Please apply now or contact Paul Hirchfield on 01293 527416 or email paul.hirchfieldrandstadeducation for more information.

Join this team and be a part of creating a brighter future for the students! Together, we can make a difference in their lives and empower them to achieve their dreams.