SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Tradewind Recruitment; Swindon; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant for full-time work in specialist provisions across Swindon. The role involves delivering high-quality support to students with complex special educational needs (SEN) and requires a confident individual with a Teaching Assistant background or HLTA qualification. Key responsibilities include providing tailored academic and emotional support to students while collaborating with teaching staff to foster a nurturing learning environment. Competitive pay and ongoing training are offered.

Benefits

Competitive rates of pay

Ongoing support from dedicated SEN consultant

Free CPD and SEN-focused training

Qualifications

• Proven experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs.
• Confidence working across Primary, Secondary and Post-16.

Responsibilities

• Deliver planned learning activities and interventions.
• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex SEN.
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour.

Skills

Experience supporting children with SEN

Behaviour management skills

Adaptability

Education

Recognised HLTA qualification or Teaching Assistant background

Job description

SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Full-time Swindon Specialist SEN Provisions

We are recruiting an experienced SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work full-time across several specialist education settings in Swindon. These provisions support children and young people with complex Special Educational Needs and offer highly structured, nurturing environments designed to help pupils re‑engage with learning and education.

This role is ideal for someone with a Teaching Assistant background who is ready to step up or a recognised HLTA qualification, who is confident supporting pupils across Primary, Secondary and Post‑16 age ranges and is comfortable adapting to different settings while maintaining consistency and high standards of care.

The Role

As an SEN HLTA, you will work across multiple specialist provisions, providing high‑quality support where it is most needed. Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering planned learning activities and interventions across a range of age groups
• Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex SEN
• Supporting emotional regulation, engagement and positive behaviour
• Adapting learning approaches to meet individual pupil needs
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and therapists
• Acting as a calm, consistent and reliable adult in specialist environments

While you will work across different settings, the schools share a similar ethos, approach and pupil profile, allowing you to build confidence and consistency in your practice.

About the Pupils

The schools support children and young people with complex and overlapping needs, including:

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
• ADHD
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Learning difficulties and trauma‑related presentations

Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and may present with challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation, anxiety or difficulties with trust and attachment. Staff focus on relationship‑building, structure and regulation to help pupils feel safe and ready to learn.

Why These Schools Are So Highly Regarded

The specialist provisions you will work in are known for:

• A strong relational and trauma‑informed approach
• Small class sizes and high staff‑to‑pupil ratios
• Clear behaviour frameworks focused on de‑escalation and regulation
• Supportive leadership teams and strong staff collaboration
• Flexible, personalised curricula that meet pupils where they are

These are settings where staff are genuinely supported and encouraged to develop their SEN practice.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Proven experience supporting children or young people with SEN
• A TA background or a recognised HLTA qualification
• Confidence working across Primary, Secondary and Post‑16
• Strong behaviour management and de‑escalation skills
• A calm, adaptable and resilient approach
• The ability to build positive relationships quickly in new settings

Why Join Tradewind Recruitment

• Full‑time work across a network of specialist SEN schools
• Competitive rates of pay, paid weekly
• Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
• Free CPD and SEN‑focused training
• Flexible opportunities with consistent work

If you're an experienced SEN professional looking to step into a rewarding HLTA role within an exceptional specialist setting, we'd love to hear from you.