Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

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

About Us

Our aim is to provide our pupils with a well-rounded and enjoyable education that ensures each child succeeds academically, physically and emotionally - preparing them for life in an ever-changing world.  We have identified six shared values, which we develop with the children throughout the academic year: Respect, Unity, Cooperation, Aspiration, Responsibility and Integrity. 

They are our foundations and we have a clear expectation that all adults as well as children and staff model and respect these values both inside and outside the academy. These foundations have enabled us to build high quality, inspiring education for our children. This is reflected in both the exceptional day to day practice here as well as the improving outcomes our children have achieved in each year. 

Our knowledge rich curriculum has been designed to challenge and inspire the children; exposing them to a wide variety of exciting experiences including visits, events, sports, music and drama but also time to reflect and respond. As a result, our children develop excellent behaviour and social skills while they learn.

We are extremely proud to be part of the Harris Federation which combines 50 primary, secondary and all-through academies across London. As part of a thriving community of schools we benefit from the ability to share, learn, support and challenge each other as we grow together.

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

• 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

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 to senior leadership.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

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 we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

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

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.