Job Description
Transform Young Lives: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Wanted for a Specialist SEN School in Woking! Are you an exceptional Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with a passion for supporting young people facing complex challenges within a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school environment? Do you thrive in a dynamic, therapeutic setting where every day offers a chance to make a profound difference? We are an independent specialist SEN school in Woking, providing high-quality, therapeutic, and child-centred education for pupils aged 11 to 17. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, all with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH), and many also have additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. We understand that many have experienced significant trauma, and our trauma and attachment-informed approach ensures all staff receive extensive therapeutic training and support. We believe in a closely triangulated approach, putting the child at the heart of every decision. This means education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams, and our students work together to achieve outstanding outcomes for all. About the Role: More Than Just a Job As an HLTA in our SEN school, you'll discover that no two days - and no two children - are the same. Our students need truly special adults: individuals who can offer immense attention, just the right kind of communication, a balance of consistency and flexibility, and a truly non-judgmental approach. You'll need to be resilient, persistent, and solution-focused, ready to wear many hats and switch them at a moment's notice to meet our children's diverse needs. Your varied and impactful contributions will include: Supporting teachers directly in the classroom. Working with children 1:1 or delivering sessions with small groups. Managing classroom resources and creating inspiring displays. Accompanying children on trips and visits. Providing crucial social support, including having lunch with children who find social situations challenging. Managing heightened behaviours and ensuring the safety of all children. Engaging children through play, board games, and even science experiments. Celebrating every success, big or small. Actively participating in therapy sessions and reflecting on difficult periods. We value the input of our HLTAs in shaping our school. You'll be part of the decision-making process that drives outcomes for children and advocates for every individual. We actively encourage your contributions to both the academic curriculum and our exciting extra-curricular offer, inviting you to bring your own interests and passions to the table. Benefits and Rewards: We Invest in You We recognise the vital role our HLTAs play and offer a comprehensive package designed to support and reward your dedication: Financial Incentives: £2,500 bonus after passing your probation period! Win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards. Receive long-service awards: £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years), and £600 (10 years). Up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice. Professional Development: Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities. Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision. Work Environment: Small class sizes with dedicated specialist Teaching Assistant (TA) support. Staff laptop and mobile phone. Well-being & Lifestyle: Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme. Salary sacrifice schemes, including childcare vouchers, technology purchases, and cycle to work. Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments such as dental, optical, and physio with MediCash. If you are a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated HLTA ready to embrace a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role within a specialist SEN school, we want to hear from you! We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close this advert early if we find suitable candidates. Apply now to start your journey with a truly special school in Woking!
