Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEND School

A special needs school in Leeds is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to deliver small-group learning and provide targeted classroom support. This long-term role is ideal for someone confident in leading sessions and adapting learning for pupils with a wide range of needs including learning difficulties, communication challenges, and physical or sensory needs.

The Role

As an HLTA, you will play a key role in the delivery of the school’s personalised curriculum. Supporting pupils aged 5–18, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading small-group activities across core subjects and life skills
• Working alongside teachers to adapt learning for a range of abilities
• Supporting individual needs with communication aids, sensory strategies and structured routines
• Encouraging independence, engagement and self-confidence
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation in line with the school’s inclusive ethos
• Collaborating closely with the wider team to track progress and share insights

The Ideal Person and Skills/Education Needed

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds HLTA status or equivalent experience leading learning in a school or specialist setting
• Has worked with children or young people with a range of special needs
• Is confident leading small groups and adapting activities creatively and effectively
• Understands how to scaffold learning and use visual and sensory supports
• Is calm, patient and passionate about inclusive education
• Works well as part of a team and builds positive relationships with pupils and colleagues

The School

This inclusive SEND school offers a nurturing, structured environment tailored to the needs of its pupils. The staff work collaboratively to ensure every child receives the support they need to grow academically, socially and emotionally. Learning is adapted to each child’s pace, and progress is celebrated in all its forms.

Hours

Monday to Friday
8.30am – 3.30pm
Term time only
Start date: ASAP

The Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Work in a supportive team with strong SEND expertise
• Long-term role with opportunity to become permanent
• no night shifts

If you’re an experienced HLTA or a skilled support worker ready to take the next step in a rewarding SEND setting, we’d love to hear from you.

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long‑term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.