Job Description
Role title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Reports to: Head of School
Salary: from £22,500
Location: Church Lane, Oldham, OL1 3AN
Our Values
At EdStart, our principal values are Progression—we are committed to helping every student achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their individual challenges. Further to this we uphold the values of Humanity, Togetherness, and Compassion, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for both students and staff.
We are proud to embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to building a workforce that reflects this ethos. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals to apply regardless of sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.
Purpose of the Role:
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at EdStart Schools, you will play a key role in supporting the learning and development of students across the school. You will work closely with teachers to deliver high-quality, differentiated lessons, providing additional support to students with diverse learning needs. Your contribution will ensure that students are engaged, challenged, and supported to achieve their full potential.
Key Responsibilities:
* Classroom Support: Provide support for teachers in the delivery of lessons, ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs (SEN), are fully engaged and supported.
* Individual and Group Support: Work with individuals or small groups of students, offering targeted support in both core subjects and other areas of learning to ensure academic progress.
* Planning and Preparation: Assist with planning and preparing resources for lessons, ensuring activities are tailored to meet the diverse needs of the class.
* Behaviour and Pastoral Support: Help manage classroom behaviour and provide pastoral care, fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
* Assessment and Monitoring: Support with the assessment and monitoring of students’ progress, providing feedback to teachers on learning outcomes and helping to identify areas for improvement.
* SEN Support: Work closely with the SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and other support staff to implement tailored interventions for students with additional needs.
* Inclusion and Differentiation: Ensure that all students have equal access to the curriculum by providing differentiated support in line with their individual learning needs.
* Communication with Parents and Carers: Establish and maintain strong relationships with parents/carers, providing updates on student progress and addressing any concerns as necessary.
* Safeguarding and Well-being: Adhere to EdStart’s safeguarding policies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students at all times.
* Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and contribute to the growth of the school.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
* HLTA Qualification: A recognised Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) is essential.
* Experience: Experience of working in a school setting, particularly in supporting students with a range of abilities and needs, including SEN, is highly desirable.
* Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with students, teachers, and parents effectively.
* Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively within a team, supporting teachers and other staff to ensure the best outcomes for students.
* Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise, and remain flexible in a busy school environment.
* Commitment to Inclusion: A commitment to supporting students of all backgrounds and abilities, with a passion for inclusive education.
* Safeguarding Knowledge: A good understanding of safeguarding procedures and a commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of students.
Preferred Experience:
* Experience in SEMH/SEN settings: Proven experience of working in a school that supports students with SEMH, special educational needs (SEN), or behavioural challenges.
* Track Record in Attendance Improvement: Experience using school systems to track and improve student attendance, particularly for students with complex needs.
* Relevant Qualifications: While not essential, qualifications in mentoring, counselling, or a related field would be advantageous.
* Engagement with Families: Ability to work closely with parents and carers to support their child’s learning and emotional development.
Why EdStart?
* Supportive and Inclusive Environment: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting students with SEMH and SEN needs, creating a safe, nurturing, and trauma-informed space where every student is given the opportunity to thrive.
* Professional Growth: EdStart invests in your development with ongoing training, mentoring, and opportunities to grow within the organisation, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to make a meaningful impact.
* Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a passionate team of educators, mentors, and external professionals, fostering a collaborative approach to student success and well-being.
* Meaningful Impact: Play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of young people, helping them overcome barriers to learning and develop the skills they need to succeed academically and personally.
* Work-Life Balance: EdStart values the well-being of its staff, offering a supportive environment that promotes work-life balance and a positive, fulfilling career in education.
* Innovative Approach: Join a forward-thinking organisation that embraces creative solutions and innovative practices to address the diverse needs of students, ensuring every child receives personalised support.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
EdStart Specialist Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to a fully enhanced DBS check.
As part of our due diligence process, we will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 guidelines.