HLTA for SEMH & AP — Primary & Secondary

Balfor Recruitment; Walsall; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily pay

Ongoing role starting Sept 2026

Work across Primary & Secondary

Job summary

Balfor Recruitment is seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a thriving all-through school in Walsall, starting September 2026. The role covers both Primary and Secondary pupils and is full-time and ongoing.

You will support pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs and in Alternative Provision settings, working closely with teachers and pastoral staff to promote positive learning, emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Qualifications

• HLTA status or equivalent qualification/experience – Essential.
• Experience working as HLTA or in a similar senior education support role.
• Experience working within SEMH, Alternative Provision, PRU or specialist education settings – Essential.
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to supporting pupils.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent and professional when managing challenging situations.
• Strong adaptability and resilience when working with pupils with varied needs.
• Excellent communication skills with pupils, teachers, families and external professionals.
• The confidence to deliver pre-planned lessons and supervise classes.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, resilience and the development of positive social skills.
• Assisting teachers with adapting lessons, activities and learning resources to meet individual pupil needs.
• Contributing to and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments.
• Supervising whole classes during short-term teacher absence.
• Delivering pre-planned lessons and learning activities in line with school expectations.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and overcome barriers to learning.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Acting as a trusted key adult, building positive relationships with pupils and providing consistent emotional support.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, engagement and behaviour.
• Providing feedback to teachers and relevant professionals regarding pupil progress.
• Managing challenging behaviour using appropriate behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Following the school’s behaviour, safeguarding and risk management policies.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, families and external professionals where appropriate.

Skills

Behaviour management

Emotional support

Lesson delivery

Team collaboration

Pastoral support

Education

HLTA status

SEMH/PRU experience

Job description

Balfor Recruitment is seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a thriving all-through school in Walsall, starting September 2026. The role covers both Primary and Secondary pupils and is full-time and ongoing.

You will support pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs and in Alternative Provision settings, working closely with teachers and pastoral staff to promote positive learning, emotional wellbeing and resilience.