Teaching assistant — Level 4 (Special Schools)

Priorycroydon; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Priory School in London is seeking a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to lead classroom support, supervise Teaching Assistants and manage key non-classroom learning spaces, including the Woodlands Café and life-skills environment.

You will plan, teach and assess learning across timetabled slots, coordinate TA deployment and work with Speech & Language Therapists and other professionals to support students with Severe Learning Difficulties and complex SEND toward independence and

Qualifications

• HLTA status or Level 4 qualification or equivalent.
• Experience with Severe Learning Difficulties and complex SEND.
• Ability to lead Teaching Assistants and coordinate non-classroom spaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead classroom support and oversee Teaching Assistants during lessons.
• Plan, teach and assess learning across the timetable and cover PPA/absence.
• Coordinate off-site activities and community access, including swimming and riding.
• Collaborate with Speech & Language Therapists and other MDT members.
• Oversee Woodlands Café and life-skills environments and lunchtime routines.

Skills

Leadership

SEND experience

Communication

Team management

Literacy and numeracy

Education

HLTA status or Level 4 qualification

Job description

Teaching assistant — Level 4 (Special Schools)

Are you a dedicated, proactive leader who loves working with young people?

Do you have a passion for special education and a desire to oversee high-quality support for students with additional needs?

Priory School is looking for a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to lead classroom support, guide Teaching Assistants, and oversee key non-classroom learning spaces across the school.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to combine classroom practice, team management, and practical coordination. You will work directly with students across pathways and help us maintain an environment where independence and individual achievements are celebrated.

The role will include:

Planning, teaching and assessing learning following an agreed timetable across the school, covering the teachers PPA and absence as required.

Overseeing and deploying Teaching Assistants during taught classes and wider school activities.

Supporting teachers by delivering learning activities and targeted interventions tailored to Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and complex needs.

Assisting in the daily running of vocational and life-skills environments, including the Woodlands Café and life skills flat.

Coordinating and supporting off-site community access, swimming routines, and horse-riding sessions.

Overseeing lunchtime routines and dining hall setups.

Leading lunchtime clubs, whole-school snack distribution, and supporting cultural/seasonal events.

Collaborating with Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and multidisciplinary teams.

We are looking for someone who is:

Experienced in working with young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), autism, or complex SEND profiles.

Physically and emotionally resilient to work across the whole school, including all key stages and pathways, including those with physically challenging behaviour.

Demonstrating high standards of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally across written and verbal communications.

Passionate about working with young people.

Well organised and able to manage their own workload.

Confident in directing and deploying support staff in classroom and non-classroom environments.

Well-organised, resilient, and skilled at managing logistics, stock, and practical arrangements.

Collaborative, warm, and able to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff.

Committed to promoting independence, dignity, and readiness for adulthood.

HLTA status or equivalent Level 4 qualification, OR relevant specialist experience.

This is a varied and fulfilling role that combines classroom teaching, staff direction, and practical operations. You will have the opportunity to make a real contribution to the daily life and long-term outcomes of students at Priory.

If you are organised, supportive, and passionate about empowering young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged.

Scale
Grade 7 SCP 23

Actual Salary
FTE £39,519 pro-rated salary £31,261

Hours
32 hours per week. Mondays 8.45 to 15.15, Tuesdays to Fridays 8.45 to 15.45

Priory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

Visit the school

We’re very proud of our school and welcome visitors.

We appreciate not everyone has had the chance to come and take a look around, and meet our wonderful staff and students. So we hope this video gives you a sense of life at Priory School.