Higher Level Teaching Assistant (SEMH / Autism

Location: Rudgeway area
Contract: Full-time, term time only

Protocol Education is working in partnership with a specialist SEN school to recruit a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, as well as autism and moderate learning needs.

Please note: if a high volume of applications is received, this advert may close early. Early applications are encouraged.

Those huge small victories

In this school, progress is often measured in moments others might miss. Sitting through a lesson. Regulating emotions. Choosing to engage. These are the huge small victories that make a real difference, and they’re celebrated every day.

As a HLTA here, you’ll be motivated by those moments, knowing that even the smallest steps forward add up to something life changing.

The role

You’ll be working closely with pupils who may have struggled in previous settings, supporting them to learn, grow in confidence and build self-esteem.

This is a hands-on role where resilience, patience and consistency matter. It can be challenging at times, but the progress you help create will be something you’re genuinely proud of.

You’ll:

• Support pupils with SEMH and autism to access learning

• Deliver and support planned learning activities

• Work closely with teachers to adapt learning and behaviour strategies

• Help pupils develop confidence, independence and emotional regulation

• Plan and lead sessions where appropriate

• Liaise with teaching staff and work independently when needed

About the school

The school is a purpose-built, modern SEN setting supporting up to 50 pupils aged 8–16. It serves the local and wider community, offering a calm, structured and well-resourced environment.

Individual progress, care and wellbeing sit at the heart of everything the school does. Staff work as a close-knit team, supporting each other and the young people every step of the way.

What we’re looking for

You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant. You’ll be someone pupils can trust and connect with.

You’ll bring:

• Significant experience working as a Teaching Assistant

• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs

• Confidence working independently and as part of a team

• The ability to plan sessions and liaise closely with teaching staff

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent)

• A HLTA qualification (or equivalent experience)

What’s on offer

The school offers a strong and supportive benefits package, including:

• Full induction and on-the-job training

• Full school holidays

• Clear progression opportunities

• Flexible benefits options

• Wellbeing support and Employee Assistance Programme

• Health cash plan to claim back dental, optical and medical costs

• High-street discounts

• £1,000 refer-a-friend scheme

• Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)

• A modern, well-resourced working environment

Applying through Protocol Education

When you apply via Protocol Education, you’ll receive:

• Dedicated consultant support throughout the process

• Honest insight into the school and role

• Interview preparation and guidance

• Access to free CPD and SEN training

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.

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