What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work within our purpose developed Learning Support department. This is an exciting opportunity to join Burnside College as we continue to develop our learning support provisions and professional development pathways for staff. Applicants can look forward to becoming part of a team committed to supporting students with additional educational needs enabling them to reach their full potential.
Applicants will be highly motivated and have a passion to ensure that our learners achieve the very best that they can at all times. The purpose of the role will be to uphold the core standards of pride, respect and achievement with all learners and to ensure that those with additional educational needs receive the highest standard of bespoke support.
Burnside College recognises the importance of providing the right support at the right time. Whilst being nurturing and supportive our approach allows students to develop independence and encompass responsibility for their own learning journey. Our HLTAs supervise and lead learning activities in our two distinct learning support provisions which focus on transitions and readiness for learning and sensory needs.
The successful candidate will:
• Supervise the delivery of the curriculum within the school’s learning support functions
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with pupils to adapt to their needs and support their learning
• Demonstrate expertise and skills in understanding the needs of all pupils (including specialist expertise as appropriate) and know how to contribute effectively to the adaptation and delivery of support to meet individual needs
• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and improve student outcomes
• Support the inclusion of a target group of students with additional educational needs
• Lead on developing, delivering and monitoring bespoke plans for these students and liaise with home and external partners in relation to their effectiveness
• Support individual transition programmes for students joining Burnside and those transitioning into mainstream learning
• Support students to engage with external partners and extracurricular activities
• Act as an advocate for vulnerable students (EHA, CSC and LAC reviews)
• Develop intervention activities for individual and small groups of students in school and through extra curricular provision
• Arrange and/or participate in, for the target group of students, activities for lunch and break times
• Participate in elements of an extended school day including breakfast and after school activities
• Maintain efficient and effective lines of communication between the school and parents
• Take account of a student’s individual needs and seek to maximise motivation through the use of a wide variety of approaches and behaviour management strategies
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures
• Support the SENCo with staff allocation as required
Burnside College is a good school, with outstanding sixth form provision. We put teaching and learning first and are committed to providing a high quality and inclusive learning experience for all. Furthermore, we are committed to the development of staff and you will be joining a supportive school with an excellent environment in which to continue your professional development.
We are confident that potential candidates would be excited by the continued changes we are making and the opportunities on offer for both staff and students. If you are considering making an application and would like to know more please get in touch with Ellie Galbraith, SENCo by email, e.galbraith@burnsidecollege.org.uk
Please submit the application form accompanied by a covering letter, of no more than two sides of A4, in which you outline your experience and suitability for the post.
What the school offers its staff
Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Burnside College is characterised by its strong community spirit and friendly working environment. Respect is one of our core values and is tangible throughout the school. We believe that strong relationships are the fabric of any successful school. Interactions at Burnside between staff, and with pupils, are based on mutual respect and are positive.
In our most recent OfSTED inspection in 2020 Burnside College was acknowledged to be a good school in all areas with outstanding sixth form provision. Staff are proud to work at our school and proud of the young people in our community. Our team continues to expand year on year as a result of now being oversubscribed.
These improvements were secured through a relentless focus on teaching and learning; we routinely consider the latest educational thinking in order to reflect on and refine what happens in classrooms. This goes hand in hand with a strong, caring system of pastoral support and a focus on the personal development of our pupils.
Standards have continued to remain high at Burnside and there is an expectation at Burnside that staff will be determined to do the very best for the young people of Wallsend and always work positively, with the best interest of young people at heart.
In return the school offers excellent support and professional development. We offer high quality staff training which is personalised to the experience and needs of the individual. A particular strength is the effective programme of support in place for early years teachers. School leaders are considerate of the workload and wellbeing of staff and the school provides good career progression opportunities.
We were delighted to once again receive the Wellbeing Award for Schools in 2023 and the inspection report stated that “Burnside College is a happy place to work and learn.” In 2024-25 as part of our continued commitment to staff wellbeing, all teaching staff receive at least 33% additional non-contact time. We are looking to recruit staff to our team that are committed to high standards and to improving the life chances of young people. Further details about our school are available on the school website.
Commitment to safeguarding
Burnside College is committed to safeguarding and all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS clearance and other pre-employment checks. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.