H/L Teaching Assistant – CL West Midlands

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Location: Church Lane Primary SEND School

Salary: £27500

Contract Type: [Permanent/Fixed-term/Part-time]

Hours: 40hrs per week Term Time Only – Salaried 12months

Are you passionate about supporting students with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? At Church Lane Primary SEND School, we are seeking a dedicated and proactive Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our team. This role is pivotal in providing high-quality learning support for our pupils, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
If you’re an experienced teaching assistant with a passion for SEND education, we’d love to hear from you.
Job Description

Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

School: Church Lane Primary SEND School

Responsible to: Class Teacher

Salary Range: £27500

Purpose of the Role:
To support teachers in delivering an engaging and inclusive curriculum tailored to the needs of students with SLCN and ASD.
To take responsibility for leading small group and individual interventions, ensuring the progress and well-being of all pupils.
To act as a key member of the SEND support team, contributing to the wider development of the school.

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Support
Assist teachers in planning, preparing, and delivering lessons that meet the needs of students with SLCN and ASD.
Lead whole-class, group, and one-to-one teaching sessions under the direction of the class teacher.
Use assistive technologies, visuals, and structured routines to support student learning and engagement.
Intervention and Pastoral Support
Deliver targeted interventions for communication, language development, and social skills.
Support students with sensory needs, emotional regulation, and behavior management strategies.
Monitor and record student progress, contributing to IEP and EHCP reviews.
Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to implement individualized strategies.
Provide guidance and support to teaching assistants within the classroom team.
Build positive relationships with parents/carers, sharing updates and strategies to support learning at home.
Leadership and Supervision
Supervise classes during teacher absence or planning time, ensuring continuity of learning.
Act as a mentor to less experienced support staff, promoting best practices in SEND support.
Support extracurricular activities and school events to enrich the student experience.
Safeguarding and Compliance
Uphold the school’s safeguarding policies and ensure the welfare of all students.
Maintain accurate records in line with school and statutory requirements.
Adhere to all school policies and contribute to a positive school ethos.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria:

Qualifications and Experience
HLTA qualification or equivalent.
Significant experience working with children with SLCN and ASD in a school or similar setting.
Knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes.
Skills and Knowledge
Strong understanding of effective strategies for supporting children with SLCN and ASD.
Ability to lead learning sessions independently and adapt plans to meet individual needs.
Proficiency with communication tools like Makaton, PECS, or visual timetables.
Personal Attributes
Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude toward children with SEND.
Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle challenging situations professionally.
Desirable Criteria:
Training in therapeutic approaches such as SCERTS, TEACCH, or Zones of Regulation.
Experience with assistive technology and AAC devices.
First aid training.