Higher Level Teaching Assistant

St Simon and St Jude Church of England Primary School is excited to be expanding its provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities through the development of The Harbour, our new Enhanced Resource Provision for pupils with Communication and Interaction Needs.

We are seeking a caring, patient and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our dedicated team and play a key role in supporting children within this specialist provision. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children by helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive both academically and socially.

Working as part of the school's wider inclusion team and in partnership with the Harbour Lead Practitioner/SENCO, you will contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of high-quality learning experiences that meet the individual needs of pupils. You will work with individuals, groups and whole classes, delivering learning activities and interventions that support pupils to access the curriculum, develop their communication and social skills, and make meaningful progress from their individual starting points.

You will play an important role in promoting pupils' self-esteem, emotional wellbeing and independence, while maintaining a nurturing and engaging learning environment in which all children feel safe, valued and able to succeed. Working closely with teachers, support staff, parents/carers and external professionals, you will help ensure that pupils receive the appropriate support and provision they need to flourish.

The Harbour

The Harbour has been created to provide specialist support for pupils whose communication and interaction needs require a more tailored learning environment. Our vision is to ensure every child feels understood, valued and empowered to achieve their potential, while remaining a valued member of our wider school community.

As part of The Harbour team, you will help create a calm, structured and supportive environment where children can build positive relationships, develop confidence and achieve success. You will contribute to the delivery of personalised learning opportunities, monitor and support pupil progress, and help children develop the communication, social and independence skills needed both in school and beyond. The role will also involve supporting the day-to-day work of other support staff where appropriate and contributing to the continued development of this exciting provision.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting children with SEND and committed to ensuring that every child can achieve success. The successful candidate will have experience of working with children with additional needs and a strong understanding of inclusive practice. Experience of supporting pupils with communication and interaction needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition, would be highly desirable.

You will be confident in delivering learning activities to individuals, small groups and, when required, whole classes. You will be able to build positive and trusting relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals, and will have the ability to support pupils' learning while also promoting their emotional wellbeing and personal development.

The ideal candidate will be an effective team player with excellent communication and organisational skills, a flexible and proactive approach to their work, and a genuine commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and ensuring the best possible outcomes for children. A recognised HLTA qualification, or equivalent skills and experience, is essential.

Why Join Us?

At St Simon and St Jude CE Primary School, we pride ourselves on our warm, family-orientated atmosphere and our commitment to ensuring every child flourishes. This is a unique opportunity to join an exciting new provision at a formative stage and play an important role in shaping an exceptional learning environment for children with additional needs.

As part of the Rise Multi Academy Trust, you will join a supportive and ambitious organisation that values professional development, collaboration and continuous improvement. You will work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to providing the very best outcomes for children and young people.

If you are passionate about inclusion and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, we would be delighted to hear from you and welcome you to The Harbour team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Early applications are therefore encouraged.