HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

We require a HLTA - Higher Level Teaching Assistant for our Woodlands site (Crowthorne), the role will commence in September/October 2026.

This role is based on our Primary student site; we also have a class of MLD students based on this site.

Standard working hours - Monday to Thursday 8.30-4pm and Friday 8.30-1.30pm

32 weeks per academic year, plus 8/9 days Inset

Main purpose:

·       Work with class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of students.

·       Promote students’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.

·       Give support to students, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Teaching and Learning

• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all students including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all students in learning and extracurricular activities

• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at students achieving their full potential in all areas of learning

• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures

• Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among students, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment

• Organise and manage teaching space and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment

• Observe student performance and pass observations on to the class teacher

• Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable

• Use ICT skills to advance students’ learning

• Cover and lead class teaching as and when appropriate

• Direct the work, where relevant, of other adults in supporting learning

• Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher

Planning

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of student performance and progress as appropriate to the level of the role

• Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons, if available

• Prepare the classroom for lessons

• Use area(s) of expertise to contribute to the planning and preparation of learning activities, and to plan their role in learning activities

Working with staff, parents/carers and relevant professionals

• Communicate effectively with other staff members and students, and with parents and carers under the direction of the class teacher

• Communicate their knowledge and understanding of students to other school staff and education, health and social care professionals, so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision

• Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, as directed by teachers

• With the class teacher, keep other professionals accurately informed of performance and progress, or concerns they may have about the students they work with

• Understand their role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues, including specialist advisory teachers

• Collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school

• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues

Safety & Wellbeing / Safeguarding

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of students, and help to safeguard students’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy

Professional Development

• Help keep own knowledge and understanding relevant and up-to-date by reflecting on their own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness

• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school

• Attend CPD

Please note, this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the HLTA will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Principal or line manager.

Person specification

CRITERIA

QUALITIES

Qualifications and Training

• GCSE or equivalent level, including at least a Grade 4 (previously Grade C) in English and Maths

• Minimum Level 4 HLTA certificate or currently working towards the certificate or able to demonstrate equivalent competency

• First-aid training, or willingness to complete it

Experience

• Experience working in a school environment or other educational setting including children with SEND needs

• Experience planning and delivering learning activities 

• Experience of planning and leading teaching and learning activities

Skills and Knowledge

• Good literacy and numeracy skills

• Good organisational skills

• Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils and adults

• Skills and expertise in understanding the needs of all pupils

• Knowledge of how to help adapt and deliver support to meet individual needs

• Subject and curriculum knowledge relevant to the role, and ability to apply this effectively in supporting teachers and pupils

• Excellent verbal communication skills

• Active listening skills

• The ability to remain calm in stressful situations

• Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children

• Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning

• Understanding of roles and responsibilities within the classroom and whole school context

• Understanding of effective teaching methods

• Knowledge of how to successfully lead learning activities for a group or class of children

• Knowledge of how statutory and non-statutory frameworks for the school curriculum relate to the age and ability ranges of the learners they support

• Knowledge of how to support learners in accessing the curriculum in accordance with the SEND code of practice

Personal Qualities

• Enjoyment of working with children

• Sensitivity and understanding, to help build good relationships with pupils

• A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils, and promoting the ethos and values of the school

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times

• Commitment to safeguarding pupil’s wellbeing and equality

• Resilient, positive, forward looking and enthusiastic about making a difference

• Capacity to inspire, motivate and challenge children and young people

Equality Commitment:

At Hurst Lodge School, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment where every individual is valued and respected.  We continuously strive to challenge discrimination, celebrate diversity, and ensure that our policies and practices reflect our commitment to equal opportunities. By working together, we aim to create a school community where everyone feels empowered, valued, and respected.

Hurst Lodge is committed to safeguarding the young people in our care and as such we would expect all successful candidates to undertake our safer recruitment processes. References will be required for all shortlisted candidates.

Please contact recruitment@hurstlodgeschool.co.uk for a standard application form. A Hurst Lodge Application form must be completed for an application to proceed.

A full compliant work history is required as well as 2 referees as part of the recruiting process.

We reserve the right to close the role early should a suitable candidate(s) be found

Interview dates to be confirmed.