SEND Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Specialist school experience

Flexible shifts

Dedicated consultant

CPD & training

Career progression

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is recruiting an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) for a specialist school in Milton Keynes.

The role supports learners aged 7-19 with SEMH, ASC and SLD, delivering pre-planned lessons and leading small groups in the absence of the class teacher. You will work closely with teaching staff to adapt activities for diverse needs, manage learning environments and promote positive behaviour.

Qualifications

• HLTA status or significant HLTA-level experience.
• Experience in SEN, SEMH, ASC or specialist education.
• Confident leading lessons and managing a classroom in teacher's absence.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pre-planned lessons and activities in the teacher's absence.
• Lead small-group sessions and provide 1:1 support.
• Support pupils with SEMH, ASC and SLD, adapt approaches to needs.
• Manage classroom behaviour and promote positive engagement.
• Support emotional regulation, communication and social development.
• Monitor pupil progress and contribute to learning objectives.
• Create a safe, structured and inclusive classroom environment.
• Help pupils develop confidence, independence and relationships.
• Collaborate with teachers and school team.

Skills

HLTA competence

Behaviour management

Classroom leadership

Adapt learning activities

Communication

Education

HLTA status

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Milton Keynes Full-Time / Flexible Opportunities | Competitive Daily Rates

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and confident Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support a specialist school in Milton Keynes. The school caters for young people aged 7-19 with a range of additional needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled HLTA who is passionate about specialist education and wants to make a real difference to the lives of young people. Working within an expanding specialist setting, you will play an important role in supporting teaching and learning, leading classroom activities and helping pupils overcome barriers to education.

The Role

As an HLTA, you will work closely with teaching staff to deliver engaging and accessible learning experiences, providing additional classroom leadership and supporting pupils with a range of complex needs. You will be confident taking responsibility for groups of pupils, delivering pre-planned lessons and adapting activities to ensure all learners can participate and make progress.

• Delivering pre-planned lessons and learning activities in the absence of the class teacher.
• Leading small-group sessions and providing targeted 1:1 support.
• Supporting pupils with SEMH, ASC and SLD, adapting approaches to meet individual needs.
• Managing classroom behaviour and promoting positive engagement with learning.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, communication and social development.
• Working alongside teachers to monitor pupil progress and contribute to learning objectives.
• Helping create a safe, structured and inclusive classroom environment.
• Supporting pupils to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, support staff and the wider school team.

The Ideal Candidate

• Hold HLTA status or have significant relevant experience working at HLTA level.
• Have previous experience within SEN, SEMH, ASC or specialist education.
• Are confident leading lessons and managing a classroom in the teacher's absence.
• Can adapt learning activities to support a range of abilities and additional needs.
• Have strong behaviour management and communication skills.
• Are resilient, patient and able to build positive relationships with young people.
• Are proactive, adaptable and passionate about supporting pupil development.
• Experience supporting young people with autism, severe learning difficulties, communication needs or social and emotional challenges would be particularly beneficial.

What We Offer

• Competitive daily rates of pay.
• Opportunities within a specialist school supporting pupils aged 7-19.
• Flexible working opportunities, with potential for longer‑term placements.
• Ongoing support from your dedicated Tradewind consultant.
• Access to free CPD and training through our National College partnership.
• Opportunities to develop your experience and progress within specialist education.

Tradewind Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will be subject to relevant safeguarding and compliance checks.