Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – SEMH Specialist
Location: Croydon, CR2
Daily Rate: £110 per day
Hours: 8am – 4pm | Monday to Friday | Term Time Only
Contract: Temporary to Permanent (Temp-to-Perm)
Ready for a new challenge where you can make a real difference every day?
If you're an experienced Teaching Assistant ready to step up, or an HLTA looking for a fresh and exciting opportunity, this could be exactly what you've been searching for.
We're recruiting for a specialist SEMH school in Croydon, where you'll play an important role supporting young people to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their potential. You'll join a welcoming, supportive team that genuinely values its staff and is passionate about changing lives through education.
A Temp-to-Perm Opportunity
This role will initially be offered on a temporary basis from September, giving you the opportunity to experience the school, build relationships with pupils and colleagues, and demonstrate your skills in the role.
The intention is for the position to become permanent, with successful candidates offered a permanent contract following a positive trial period and assessment by the school. It's an excellent opportunity for someone looking to establish a long-term career within specialist education.
Why You'll Love This Role
No two days are ever the same. You'll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pupils, celebrate their achievements, and make a genuine impact on their lives every single day.
You'll also benefit from:
- A supportive leadership team that is committed to your professional development.
- Ongoing training in SEMH, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
- Opportunities to progress into Lead HLTA, Behaviour, Pastoral or Teaching pathways.
- Smaller class sizes and personalised learning, allowing you to focus on each young person's individual needs.
- A collaborative team where your ideas, experience and wellbeing are valued.
About the Role
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you'll support pupils both in and out of the classroom, helping them re-engage with learning and prepare for brighter futures.
Working alongside teachers and senior leaders, you'll:
- Deliver personalised 1:1 and small-group support for Key Stage 4 pupils.
- Support learning across Maths, English, life skills, employability and community-based activities.
- Build pupils' confidence, resilience and independence through consistent pastoral support.
- Use positive behaviour strategies and trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation.
- Deliver targeted interventions that help pupils make academic and personal progress.
- Support teachers with lesson preparation, classroom activities and differentiated learning.
- Monitor pupil progress and contribute to individual learning plans.
- Create positive, engaging learning experiences where every young person feels supported to succeed.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is:
- Experienced working as a Teaching Assistant.
- Passionate about supporting young people with additional needs.
- Calm, patient and resilient, with excellent communication skills.
- Able to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues.
- Committed to safeguarding and inclusive education.
Experience supporting pupils with SEMH, autism or challenging behaviour is highly desirable, but above all we're looking for someone with empathy, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Build Your Career With Us
This is more than just your next role—it's an opportunity to join a fantastic school where you'll be supported to develop your skills, grow your confidence and build a long-term career.
With ongoing training, mentoring and clear progression opportunities, you'll have every chance to take the next step, whether that's into Lead HLTA, Pastoral, Behaviour Support or Teacher Training.
Ready for Your Next Opportunity?
If you're looking for a rewarding role where every day brings new challenges, meaningful relationships and the chance to change young people's lives, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to find out more about this exciting temp-to-perm opportunity and take the next step in your career.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £110.00 per day
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
