Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Harlesden, North West London | Specialist All-Age SEN School | Full-Time | Permanent

£30,000 - £38,000 per annum | Immediate or September Start

About the Role

A specialist SEN school in Harlesden is looking to appoint a committed and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join its permanent staff team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant or existing HLTA looking to further develop their career within a highly supportive specialist environment.

The school caters for pupils across primary and secondary phases with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), and complex learning difficulties. Staff work collaboratively to provide an inclusive, therapeutic and highly personalised curriculum that enables every pupil to achieve success.

Working closely with teachers, therapists and senior leaders, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality learning, leading interventions and supporting pupils to develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality learning activities for individuals, small groups and whole classes during teacher absence or as directed.
• Support teachers with lesson planning, preparation, assessment and classroom organisation.
• Deliver targeted interventions to develop literacy, numeracy, communication, independence and social skills.
• Adapt learning activities to meet the individual needs and EHCP outcomes of each pupil.
• Support pupils with Autism, communication needs, sensory differences and additional learning needs.
• Encourage emotional regulation, resilience, independence and positive engagement with learning.
• Work alongside Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other multidisciplinary professionals to implement specialist strategies.
• Monitor and record pupil progress, providing feedback to teachers and contributing to reviews and support plans.
• Mentor and model best practice for Teaching Assistants within the classroom.
• Promote positive behaviour through restorative and therapeutic approaches.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing at all times.
• Contribute to the wider life of the school through enrichment activities, school events and ongoing professional development.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience working with children or young people with Special Educational Needs.
• Experience delivering structured interventions and supporting learning with increasing independence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of inclusive teaching strategies and personalised learning.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach when supporting pupils with complex needs.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting positive outcomes for every learner.

Desirable

• HLTA status or equivalent experience within an educational setting.
• Experience supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition, SEMH, Speech and Language Needs or Moderate Learning Difficulties.
• Knowledge of communication strategies including PECS, Makaton, AAC or Visual Supports.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice, sensory regulation and positive behaviour support.
• Experience working alongside therapists or within multidisciplinary teams.

What the School Offers

• Permanent, full-time position with a competitive salary of £30,000 - £38,000, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive induction programme and ongoing SEN-specific training.
• Supportive leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and career development.
• Opportunities to work alongside experienced therapists and specialist practitioners.
• Clear progression routes into teaching, pastoral leadership or middle leadership roles.
• Excellent resources and purpose-built specialist learning environments.
• A welcoming and collaborative staff team with a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEN practitioner who is passionate about inclusive education and ready to take on greater responsibility within a specialist school committed to helping every pupil reach their full potential.

INDEDU