SEN / SEMH Higher Level Teaching Assistant

New Directions Holdings Limited; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Education is seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work full-time across Wakefield in SEN and SEMH provisions. You will support pupils with additional needs, deliver learning activities, and cover lessons when required.

The ideal candidate will hold HLTA status, have experience in SEN/SEMH settings, strong behaviour management, and excellent communication to build positive relationships with pupils, teachers, and families.

Qualifications

• HLTA status is required or essential.
• Experience in SEN/SEMH or alternative provision settings preferred.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• Able to lead lessons and deliver activities independently.
• Excellent communication and ability to build relationships with pupils, families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Deliver planned lessons and activities in the absence of the class teacher.
• Support pupils with SEMH, ASC, ADHD, speech and language needs and learning difficulties.
• Provide one-to-one and small group interventions to support progress.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and promote positive outcomes.
• Record pupil progress and contribute to support plans and reviews.

Skills

HLTA

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

HLTA status

Job description

Make a Lasting Impact on Young People’s Lives

New Directions Education is currently recruiting a dedicated and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work full-time within specialist SEN and SEMH provisions across the Wakefield area.

This is a rewarding opportunity for a passionate education professional who thrives on supporting young people with additional needs and helping them overcome barriers to learning. You’ll play a key role in supporting students with a range of special educational needs, while also leading learning activities and covering lessons when required.

The Role

As an SEN / SEMH HLTA, you will:

• Deliver planned lessons and learning activities in the absence of the class teacher.
• Support pupils with a range of needs, including SEMH, Autism (ASC), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and moderate learning difficulties.
• Provide one-to-one and small group interventions to support academic and personal development.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and promote positive outcomes.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and external professionals.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, contributing towards support plans and reviews.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where pupils can thrive.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who has:

• HLTA status.
• Previous experience working within SEN, SEMH, or alternative provision settings.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• The confidence to lead classes and deliver learning activities independently.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A patient, resilient, and adaptable approach.
• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable young people achieve their potential.