HLTA / Trainee / Experienced Support

Shorefields; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive

Full pension scheme

Medical cash-back plan

Wellbeing days

Wellbeing support

Annual pay rises

Job summary

Clarity Independent School is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex SEND. You will deliver a tailored curriculum to small groups, and help shape engaging, therapeutic lessons. A full driving license and sole car access are essential for transporting pupils.

The school offers a warm, supportive environment, term-time hours, and a clear pathway to HLTA qualification with extensive CPD and wellbeing initiatives.

Qualifications

• Substantial recent school-based support for pupils with SEND.
• Interest in therapeutic approaches to behaviour and learning.
• Willingness to complete HLTA qualification with CPD support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a tailor-made curriculum to small groups (5–6 pupils).
• Lead on a subject area with Curriculum Lead support.
• Support pupils with low-level dysregulation and wellbeing needs.
• Plan and participate in local activities and outings.
• Transport pupils to and from school and activities with a car.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team to support SEND students.

Skills

HLTA

Driving license

SEND experience

Empathy

Education

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

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 20/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: Applications shortlisted upon receipt

Join our compassionate team as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Clarity Independent School - Refreshed Learning Changes Lives

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Why This Role is More Than Just a Job

AtClarity Independent School, we don't just educate, wenurture, inspire, and transform lives. If you're acompassionate, creative, and dedicatedprofessional looking to make areal differencein the lives ofvulnerable young people and wanting to work in a school with an industry-leading staff wellbeing package, this is your opportunity to join awarm, supportive, and highly rewardingteam.

We're asmall, independent special schoolfor18 high-functioning pupils aged 6-17,withcomplex social communication needs. Our school isinspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, not Ofsted, and we pride ourselves on ourtherapeutic approach,personalised support, andstrong sense of community. If you're passionate aboutSEND education,emotional well-being, andhelping young people unlock their potential, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Do

As aHLTA at Clarity, you'll be at the heart of our school's mission, supporting every pupil to grow academically, emotionally, and socially. Your role will bediverse, meaningful, and deeply impactful, including:

• Delivering a tailor-made curriculumto small groups of5-6 pupils, ensuring theirindividual needsare met.
• Leading on a subject area(with support from our Curriculum Lead) and help shapeengaging, therapeutic lessons.
• Supporting our therapeutic approach, helping pupils withlow-level dysregulation and mental health needsfeel safe, understood, and ready to learn.
• Planning and participating in local activities and outings, using the community as aliving classroom.
• Transporting pupils to and from school and activities(afull driving license and sole use of a car are essential).
• Collaborating with a team of dedicated professionalswho share your passion forSEND education and emotional well-being.

Why You'll Love Working Here

We're not just offering a job-we're offering adefined career pathway with purpose, support, and genuine satisfaction. Here's what makes Clarity Independent School aspecial place to work.

Competitive Salary + Incentives:

• Recruitment Incentive:£2,000 payment upon successful completion of working first academic year (T&C apply).
• Full pension schemeandmedical cash-back plan.
• 10 paid term-time "wellbeing days"to recharge and refresh.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support, includingfree face-to-face counselling and supervision sessions.
• Annual pay rises(we reward loyalty and dedication!).

Work-Life Balance:

• Generous non-contact timeeach week to plan, reflect, and recharge.
• Additional paid, weekly, CPD timeto grow your skills.

Investment in You:

• Full financial support and training timeto achieve yourHLTA qualification(if you're not already qualified).
• Once completed, a continuous, personalised CPD programme of external accredited courses to further build your skills.
• Access to generous budgetsfor teaching resources, includingpersonal ICT and SEND budgetsfor each child.

A Supportive, Nurturing Team:

• Work alongsideempathic, professional, and like-minded colleagueswho arejust as committed to making a difference.
• Staff "thank you" eventsthroughout the year to celebrate and appreciate you.
• Refreshments provided daily-because even small comforts matter!

Job Security + Stability:

• Term-time only, withno unexpected surprises.
• Asmall school environmentwhere yourvoice and contributions are valued.

Your Ideal Background

• Hassubstantial recent school-based experiencesupporting pupils withSEND (particularly high-functioning, social, emotional and communication difficulties).
• Is passionate abouttherapeutic approachesto behaviour and learning.
• Holds aGrade 4/C or above in GCSE Maths and English(or equivalent).
• Has a full driving license and sole access to a car(essential for transporting pupils).
• Isflexible, patient, and deeply empathetic-because at Clarity,heart matters as much as skill.
• HLTA status is preferred, but we warmly welcomeexperienced Learning Support Assistantswho are eager to progress.

The Clarity Difference

We're not just a school, we're acommunity. Our pupils come to us withcomplex needs, but they leave withconfidence, skills, and hope. As part of our team, you'll play akey role in their journey, supported by aculture of kindness, collaboration, and continuous growth.

• Small class sizes(4-6 pupils) meanmaximum impact-your work will bevisible, meaningful, and rewarding.
• Therapeutic focusensures wemeet pupils where theyare, helping themthrive emotionally and academically.
• Independent school statusmeansflexibility and innovation-we're not bound by rigid systems, so we canadapt and tailor everything to our pupils' needs.

Working Hours:

• Monday:8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
• Tuesday to Friday:8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
• Daily protected 30-minute lunch break.
• 36.5 hours per week, term-time only.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're looking for a role whereyour skills, compassion, and dedicationaretruly valued, we'd love to welcome you to our team!

Shortlisting will begin as soon as applications are received.

The school is committed to safeguarding its pupils and, as such, employer references and online checks (such as social media checks) will be sought upon application, for inclusion in the shortlisting process.DBS checks will also be sought prior to appointment.

Information about the School

Clarity Independent School is a small special needs school for pupils with complex profiles of learning and SEND. We take pupils aged between 6 and 17 years and all pupils are referred to the school by the Statutory Assessment team of several Local Authorities around the Essex and surrounding areas. We have recently (December 25) been granted registration to increase our places from 13 to 18.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.