HLTA / Trainee / Experienced Support

Shorefields; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment incentive £2,000

Full pension scheme

Medical cash-back plan

10 wellbeing days for term-time

24/7 wellbeing support

Job summary

Clarity Independent School in the UK is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a small independent specialist school for 18 high-functioning pupils aged 6-17. The role focuses on delivering a tailored curriculum, leading on a subject area, and supporting therapeutic teaching to nurture emotional well-being.

Applicants should have HLTA experience, SEND background, and a driving licence to transport pupils as needed.

Qualifications

• Substantial recent school-based experience supporting pupils with SEND.
• Experience delivering a tailor-made curriculum to small groups.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a tailor-made curriculum to small groups of 5-6 pupils.
• Lead on a subject area with Curriculum Lead support.
• Support therapeutic approach and emotional well-being.
• Plan local activities and outings and transport pupils as needed.
• Collaborate with a team of professionals dedicated to SEND education.

Skills

HLTA experience

SEND education

Driving licence

GCSE Maths/English Grade 4/C

Education

Grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English

Job description

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

Application Close: 25/10/2026 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.

• Recruitment Incentive: £2,000 payment upon successful completion of working first academic year (T&C apply).

Why This Role is More Than Just a Job

At Clarity Independent School, we don't just educate, we nurture, inspire, and transform lives. If you're a compassionate, creative, and dedicated professional looking to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and wanting to work in a school with an industry-leading staff wellbeing package, this is your opportunity to join a warm, supportive, and highly rewarding team.

We're a small, independent special school for 18 high-functioning pupils aged 6-17, with complex social communication needs. Our school is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, not Ofsted, and we pride ourselves on our therapeutic approach, personalised support, and strong sense of community. If you're passionate about SEND education, emotional well-being, and helping young people unlock their potential, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Do

• Delivering a tailor-made curriculum to small groups of 5-6 pupils, ensuring their individual needs are met.
• Leading on a subject area (with support from our Curriculum Lead) and help shape engaging, therapeutic lessons.
• Supporting our therapeutic approach, helping pupils with low-level dysregulation and mental health needs feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.
• Planning and participating in local activities and outings, using the community as a living classroom.
• Transporting pupils to and from school and activities (a full driving license and sole use of a car are essential).
• Collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals who share your passion for SEND education and emotional well-being.

Why You'll Love Working Here

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

Competitive Salary + Incentives

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

Work-Life Balance

• Protected lunch breaks in our quiet, staff retreat area.
• Generous non-contact time each week to plan, reflect, and recharge.
• Additional paid, weekly, CPD time to grow your skills.

Investment in You

• Full financial support and training time to achieve your HLTA 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 budgets for teaching resources, including personal ICT and SEND budgets for each child.

A Supportive, Nurturing Team

• Work alongside empathic, professional, and like-minded colleagues who are just as committed to making a difference.
• Staff "thank you" events throughout the year to celebrate and appreciate you.
• Refreshments provided daily-because even small comforts matter!

Job Security + Stability

• Term-time only, with no unexpected surprises.
• A small school environment where your voice and contributions are valued.

Your Ideal Background

• Has substantial recent school-based experience supporting pupils with SEND (particularly high-functioning, social, emotional and communication difficulties).
• Is passionate about therapeutic approaches to behaviour and learning.
• Holds a Grade 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).
• Is flexible, patient, and deeply empathetic-because at Clarity, heart matters as much as skill.
• HLTA status is preferred, but we warmly welcome experienced Learning Support Assistants who are eager to progress.

The Clarity Difference

We're not just a school, we're a community. Our pupils come to us with complex needs, but they leave with confidence, skills, and hope. As part of our team, you'll play a key role in their journey, supported by a culture of kindness, collaboration, and continuous growth.

• Small class sizes (4-6 pupils) mean maximum impact-your work will be visible, meaningful, and rewarding.
• Therapeutic focus ensures we meet pupils where they are, helping them thrive emotionally and academically.
• Independent school status means flexibility and innovation-we're not bound by rigid systems, so we can adapt 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 where your skills, compassion, and dedication are truly 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.

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