Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Inspire and transform learning with us. Support local children as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Harris Garrard Academy.

About Us

Harris Garrard Academy is an all-through 3–18 academy with approximately 1500 pupils on roll and joined the Harris Federation as a sponsored academy in September 2017. In our recent 2021 Ofsted inspection the Academy was rated GOOD in all areas on a strong and consistent trajectory of improvement. The academy is based in Thamesmead in a purpose built building. We are now on a journey towards “Outstanding”, led by highly experienced executive principals with proven track records of school transformation. Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

Why work at Harris Garrard Academy?

• The opportunity to be involved in the continued transformation of a school
• A stunning working environment, in a purpose-built school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004
• A highly motivated team, led by exceptionally experienced and talented senior leaders
• FREE on site gym available to staff with a number of staff sport clubs
• All the advantages of a successful academy group, with a strong central team of support, teaching and leadership staff
• Generous Harris rewards and benefits package

About Harris Garrard Academy

Harris Garrard Academy is a new school with drive and ambition. Located in the wider South Thamesmead area, we cater to a vastly vibrant 3-19 aged student community. Accessible by fantastic rail and bus transport links and very soon to be on the opening leg of the Elizabeth Line, the academy's stunning working environment is within a purpose-built school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004.

Dedicated to moving forward

Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

As one of Harris's successful all-through academies, staff at all levels belong to a strong, cohesive team working with Executive Principal Chris Everitt and the wider SLT team. Staff can expect to grow with us as we continue to innovate and evolve as an academy. With ample opportunity to build on CPD, your potential is limitless with us.

Main Areas of Responsibility

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, your areas of responsibility include:

• To complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed activities under an agreed system of supervision. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning activities for individuals/groups or short term for whole classes and monitoring students and assessing, recording and reporting on students' achievement, progress and development. Responsible for the management and development of teaching within the academy and/or management of other teaching assistants including allocation and monitoring of work, appraisal and training.
• Under an agreed system of supervision: take a lead role within the academy to address the needs of students who need particular help to overcome barriers to learning.
• To provide support for students, the teacher and the academy in order to raise standards of achievement for all students (e.g. SEN, EAL, More Able, all underachieving groups), by utilising advanced levels of knowledge and skills when assisting with planning, monitoring, assessing and managing classes, and to encourage students to become independent learners, to provide support for their welfare, and to support the inclusion of students in all aspects of academy life.

Qualifications & Experience

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths – Grade C or above;
• NVQ Level 3, or equivalent;
• Good knowledge of a range of learning barriers including special needs;
• Experience of contributing to and assessing of provision for children with a range of needs;
• Some knowledge of some of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Minimum 2 years' school based experience as a TA, or equivalent
• Good grasp of phonics and how to support children.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact us via e-mail, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your application.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.