Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning
Surrey
- Expired
- Salary:
- £24,160.00-£29,641.00 per year
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 9 March 2025
Job overview
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Full job description
Are you an experienced and resilient Teaching Assistant looking for a unique opportunity to work in a creative, hands-on learning environment? Do you thrive in an outdoor, farm-based setting and want to be part of an innovative, therapeutic education provision?
Elysian provides a dynamic and alternative approach to education, integrating Animal-Assisted Therapeutic Activities and experiential learning into our curriculum. We work with children and young people with a diverse range of needs, including social, emotional, behavioural, learning, and mental health challenges.
We are currently seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Higher-Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) to join our education team across our three sites in Shamley Green (Guildford, Surrey), Liss (Hampshire), and West Horsley (Surrey).
About the Role
This is a full-time or term-time role, based outdoors in a farm setting, where learning is delivered through engagement with animals, practical skills, and nature-based education. The role requires patience, adaptability, and a hands-on approach to supporting young people in their learning and personal development.
You will support and facilitate educational and therapeutic sessions, ensuring that the curriculum is creatively incorporated into various activities. No prior animal expertise is required, but a willingness to work with and learn about animals is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Support individual and group learning activities, both in structured lessons and through practical experiences.
- Assist young people with their educational and therapeutic goals, adapting strategies to suit individual needs.
- Facilitate animal-assisted learning, helping students develop confidence and responsibility.
- Work closely with teachers, therapists, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver tailored learning plans.
- Maintain accurate records of student progress and participation.
- Assist in the planning and delivery of creative, hands-on sessions that integrate farm activities, equine learning, and other alternative approaches.
- Support students who may be struggling with attendance and engagement, both on-site and through outreach when necessary.
- Provide pastoral support, helping students develop emotional regulation and resilience.
- Where appropriate, supervise apprentices and volunteers, contributing to a nurturing and supportive team environment.
- Contribute to maintaining the farm environment, ensuring a safe and engaging space for students and staff.
Skills & Qualifications
- Teaching Assistant qualification (preferred), HLTA qualification or relevant SEN/Teaching qualifications in specialist areas.
- Degree or higher education qualification in a relevant field (or extensive experience working as a TA).
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a teaching or learning support role.
- Experience working with SEND learners in an alternative or therapeutic education setting is essential.
- Experience supporting children and young people with emotional, social, and behavioural difficulties (ESBD).
- Understanding of animal-assisted learning or therapy is beneficial but not required.
- Confidence working in an outdoor setting, year-round, in all weather conditions.
- Excellent safeguarding knowledge and professional boundaries.
Additional Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with young people, colleagues, and external professionals.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working in a non-traditional learning environment.
- Ability to think creatively and support the development of innovative learning approaches.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in spoken and written English.
- Understanding of risk assessment, health & safety, and compliance requirements in an educational setting.
Why Join Elysian?
- A unique and rewarding role that integrates education, therapy, and outdoor learning.
- Work with a passionate, skilled team dedicated to making a difference.
- Opportunities for progression, further training, and development.
- A dynamic and engaging work environment where no two days are the same.
How to Apply
Please apply through Indeed, submitting a covering letter and up-to-date CV. Ensure your CV includes:
- Start and end dates (not just month/year).
- Detailed role descriptions for previous experience.
- Employment chronology and any gaps explained.
- All relevant qualifications and training.
Elysian is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All appointments are subject to a rigorous vetting procedure, including enhanced DBS checks and reference verification.
The Salary advertised is a 41 week Term time full time salary.
Visit our website: www.elysianuk.org
Contact us: recruit@elysianuk.org
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,160.00-£29,641.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Guildford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Teaching Assistant/SEN: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
About Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning
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- Elysian Animal Assisted Therapy and Learning
- Westland Farm, Lordshill Common, Shamley Green, Guildford
- Surrey
- GU5 0TL
- United Kingdom
Elysian is a pioneering Independent Special Educational Needs (SEN) School and Therapeutic services provider, offering a holistic, nurturing, and innovative approach to supporting children, young people, and adults with a wide range of needs. Our farm-based provisions integrate education, therapy, alternative provision, and animal-assisted interventions (AAI) to create an engaging, supportive, and impactful environment for learning, growth, and development.
Who We Are
At Elysian, we believe in creating opportunities for every individual to thrive, particularly those who have struggled in mainstream settings due to anxiety, ASD, ADHD, school phobia, trauma, social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, and other developmental difficulties.
Our provisions are registered Independent Secondary SEN Schools, with a focus on specialist, therapeutic, and outdoor learningapproaches tailored to individual needs. We provide full-time education placements for ages 11-17, alongside therapeutic programmes, alternative provision, and outreach services.
We operate across multiple sites in Surrey and Hampshire, each offering education, therapy, and farm-based learning experiences:
- Shamley Green (Westland Farm, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
- Registered for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17
- Specialising in alternative learning environments, therapeutic education, and animal-assisted learning
- Offers full-time and part-time educational placements, alongside outreach and therapy programmes
- West Horsley (Hillside, Surrey) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
- Registered for up to 50 pupils aged 11-17
- Focuses on individualised learning, core curriculum subjects, and therapeutic interventions
- Includes animal-assisted therapy, outdoor education, and vocational learning opportunities
- Liss (Janche Stables, Hampshire) – Independent Registered Secondary SEN School
- Registered for up to 45 pupils aged 11-17
- Provides a flexible, structured curriculum combined with therapy and alternative learning pathways
- Focuses on transition support, employability skills, and personal development
- Froxfield (Staple Ash Farm, Hampshire) – A developing AP provision
- Supports education, outreach, training, and community engagement
- Expanding to enhance therapeutic learning and vocational opportunities
What We Do
Elysian provides a wide range of education and therapeutic services, ensuring that young people receive the individualised support they need to succeed. Our core services include:
- Independent SEN Education (Registered Schools)
- Full-time and part-time education placements for young people aged 11-17
- A broad and engaging curriculum, integrating core subjects, vocational learning, and outdoor education
- Small group and 1:1 teaching approaches tailored to each learner’s needs
- A multi-disciplinary team including teachers, therapists, and intervention specialists
- Alternative Provision & Outreach
- Blended learning packages and flexible educational programmes for learners unable to access mainstream schooling
- Outreach support across Surrey and Hampshire, working with local authorities and commissioning partners
- Therapy & Therapeutic Programmes
- On-site Occupational Therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Play Therapy, and Counselling
- Therapeutic group sessions, intervention programmes, and 1:1 support
- A strong focus on emotional regulation, confidence-building, and social skills development
- Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)
- Working with horses, dogs, reptiles, and small animals to facilitate therapeutic and educational engagement
- Supporting young people with anxiety, trauma, and social-emotional difficulties through structured activities
- Further and Adult Education
- Professional training and qualifications in animal-assisted interventions, SEND education, and trauma-informed approaches
- Events, Training, and Community Engagement
- Regular workshops, CPD training, and networking opportunities
- School visits, open days, and community projects
Our Team & Ethos
At Elysian, we value passion, commitment, and a genuine desire to support young people. Our team includes:
- Teachers and education staff who bring creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to making learning meaningful for every child.
- Therapists and intervention specialists who use innovative, evidence-based methods to support emotional well-being and personal growth.
- Equine and animal specialists who facilitate therapeutic and educational interactions with our animals.
- Operational and support staff who ensure the smooth running of our provisions and help maintain a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment.
All of our staff work within a trauma-informed, child-centred framework, recognising that relationships, trust, and consistency are key to learning and development. We embrace a non-traditional, flexible approach, ensuring that young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to progress in their education and personal growth.
Why Work With Us?
Joining Elysian means becoming part of an innovative, dynamic, and passionate team that is changing lives every day. We offer:
- A unique and rewarding work environment – Our farm-based and outdoor learning settings create a positive and engaging space to work.
- Professional development and training – We provide ongoing training in trauma-informed practice, SEND education, animal-assisted interventions, and therapeutic approaches.
- Opportunities for career progression – As Elysian continues to grow, we are committed to developing and promoting staff into leadership and specialist roles.
- A strong, supportive team culture – We value teamwork, creativity, and a shared commitment to supporting young people in achieving their full potential.
Join Our Team
We are always looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our team in a range of roles. Due to expansion we are frequently recruiting a wide range of roles, including:
- Teachers & Education Leaders (QTS & non-QTS roles available)
- Therapeutic & Support Staff (Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants, and Intervention Specialists)
- Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialists (Equine Leads, Farm Workers, and Animal Therapists)
- Strategic Leadership & Operations (Deputy Heads, Managers)
- Communications & Business Development (Marketing, Events, and Outreach roles)
For more information about us:
🌍 www.elysianuk.org/work-with-us/
For recruitment enquiries, email:
📧 recruit@elysianuk.org
For training and development opportunities, visit:
🌍 www.elysiandevelopment.org
📧 courses@elysianuk.org
We look forward to welcoming like-minded, passionate professionals to Elysian – a place where education, therapy, and nature come together to create transformative learning experiences for young people.
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