Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Location:        The Holden School, Leigh, Wigan.

Hours:             37.5 hours per week - Monday - Friday 8.30- 16:00

Salary:            Up to £20,000 dependent on experience

Contract:        Permanent, Term Time only

If you really want to make your mark in a rapidly growing business that is committed to improving the lives of children and young people, we have the role for you!

About the School:

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 11 and has an occupancy of 48 pupils, catering for children with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Wigan, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team, work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils, who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.

We pride ourselves in steering children in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

About the Group:

We are part of Acorn Care and Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.

We provide Education and Care across a number of schools and residential homes nationally. Our specialist SEN provision, coupled with our expertise within residential care means we offer thousands of vulnerable children and young people across the UK a holistic, wraparound care, residential and education service, empowering them with everything they need to flourish. It is by no accident that 94% of our homes are rated as Outstanding or Good.

We welcome staff who share our commitment to help children experience better days and better lives. Through ongoing development and training, we ensure our staff are well prepared for their jobs and given every opportunity to extend their skills.

Acorn Care and Education is part of the Outcomes First Group.

About the role

We have an exciting and challenging opportunity for a HLTA to bring new ideas and their experience to the team at Holden. 

We want each young person at Holden to achieve their own ambitions and to live fulfilling and productive lives. Therefore, you will be required to use your specialist knowledge and experience to support and assist the class teacher, whilst referring to agreed individual development plans. You will teach and encourage each individual to achieve their potential, despite of any challenges you, or they, may face.

The successful candidate will provide and deliver learning activities to whole classes when the teacher is not present and to groups of pupils. They will also be responsible for planning, preparing and delivering lessons and be able to assess record and report on development, progress and attainment, under the direction of class teachers.

Who are we looking for?

The Holden School needs a responsible, friendly and caring individual who has a passion for Education and making a difference to young lives. This position will be challenging, yet rewarding, with the opportunity to see the young people progress and develop over time.

We need someone who can:

• Manage a team
• Organise, plan and deliver lessons when needed
• Has great communication skills
• Can manage their workload
• Are prepared for the varying difficulties the role may present.
• A current HLTA or equivalent qualification, along with a grade C or above in a Maths and English GCSE or equivalent, is essential. It would be ideal if you have had previous experience in a SEN School and you have led or managed a team.

Key responsibilities

Support the Class Teachers in delivering agreed learning activities to ensure each individual child meets their discrete learning needs

Manage a team of learning support assistants on a day-to-day basis

Support the development of the children’s communication skills by implementing goals in collaboration with the Education, Therapy and Residential staff

To set targets, keep records, assess and evaluate students’ learning with support from other professionals

Lead classes during absences of the class teacher

Help with training, advise and support of other staff members

To participate in, and complete reports for statutory reviews and meetings concerning the students

Why work for us?

• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference
• Be part of a supportive and dedicated team
• Continuous professional development and training
• Internal Promotion
• Staff meals
• Potential overtime
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” 
• Employee Rewards Hub 

Other information

This vacancy is due to start in September 2020, subject to complete and satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Acorn Care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBS. We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment and strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for everybody in our care. A full application form must be completed with all employment dates accurate and gaps in employment accounted for.