Role title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Reports to: Head of School
Salary: Up to £23,000
Location: Birkenhead CH41 6ND
Our Values
At EdStart, our principal value is Progression — we are committed to helping every student achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their individual challenges. Alongside this, we uphold the values of Humanity, Togetherness, and Compassion, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for both students and staff.
We are proud to embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to building a workforce that reflects this ethos. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals to apply regardless of sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage, or civil partnership.
Purpose of the Role
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at EdStart Schools, you will play a key role in supporting the learning and development of students across the school. You will work closely with teachers to deliver high-quality, differentiated lessons and provide additional support to students with diverse learning needs.
You will also contribute to the teaching of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and RE (Religious Education), supporting small groups of 5-7 students to promote engagement, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of key social and moral themes.
Your work will ensure that students are engaged, challenged, and supported to achieve their full potential both academically and personally.
Key Responsibilities
- Classroom Support: Provide support for teachers in the delivery of lessons, ensuring all students, including those with special educational needs (SEN), are fully engaged and supported.
- Individual and Group Support: Work with individuals or small groups (typically 4–6 students), offering targeted support in both core subjects and wider learning areas to ensure academic and personal progress.
- Teaching and Delivery: Deliver RE and PSHE sessions, supporting the development of pupils’ social, emotional, and moral understanding in line with the school’s curriculum and ethos.
- Planning and Preparation: Assist with planning and preparing lesson resources, ensuring activities are tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners.
- Behaviour and Pastoral Support: Help manage classroom behaviour and provide pastoral care, fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
- Assessment and Monitoring: Support with the assessment and monitoring of students’ progress, providing feedback to teachers on learning outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.
- SEN Support: Work closely with the SENCo and support staff to implement tailored interventions for students with additional needs.
- Inclusion and Differentiation: Ensure all students have equal access to the curriculum by providing differentiated support aligned with their individual learning profiles.
- Communication with Parents and Carers: Maintain strong relationships with parents and carers, providing updates on progress and supporting positive home-school links.
- Safeguarding and Well-being: Adhere to EdStart’s safeguarding policies, ensuring the safety and welfare of all students at all times.
- Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance your skills and contribute to the growth of the school.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- HLTA Qualification: A recognised Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) is essential.
- Experience: Experience working in a school setting, particularly supporting students with a range of abilities and needs, including SEN, is highly desirable.
- Strong Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, teachers, and parents.
- Team Player: Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Organisational Skills: Strong organisation and time management, with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
- Commitment to Inclusion: A passion for inclusive education and a belief in the potential of every student.
- Safeguarding Knowledge: Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and responsibilities.
Preferred Experience
- Experience working within SEMH/SEN settings or alternative provision.
- Proven ability to support small group learning effectively.
- Experience teaching or supporting RE/PSHE or other subjects that promote personal and social development.
- Experience using school systems to support attendance, behaviour, or pastoral monitoring.
- Qualifications or experience in mentoring, counselling, or youth work (advantageous).
Why EdStart?
- Supportive and Inclusive Environment: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to supporting students with SEMH and SEN needs, creating a nurturing, trauma-informed space for learning.
- Professional Growth: Access ongoing training, mentoring, and career development opportunities to grow your skills and confidence.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate educators and support professionals who share a commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
- Meaningful Impact: Play a vital role in transforming the lives of students who have faced barriers to learning.
- Work-Life Balance: A supportive, flexible culture that values staff wellbeing.
- Innovative Approach: Join a forward-thinking organisation that embraces creativity and personalisation in education.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
EdStart Specialist Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This post is subject to a fully enhanced DBS check.
As part of our due diligence process, we will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 guidelines.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £23,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Are you in a commutable distance to the role?
- Do you have your HTLA qualification?
- What are your salary expectations?
Experience:
- Special education: 1 year (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
