Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (SEND HLTA) 

Salary:  SCP 14-20 With Additional SEN Allowance £1,540 (FTE)

Required From: September 2026

Contract: Permanent 

Employer: Epworth Education Trust

Based at: Westleigh Methodist School

The successful candidate will have excellent skills and experience in supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), alongside the ability to inspire, motivate and communicate outstanding practice across the school. They will work collaboratively with teachers and leaders to raise standards of achievement, promote inclusion and ensure all pupils are able to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

The SEND HLTA will provide high-quality support for pupils with additional needs, deliver targeted interventions, teach whole classes when required, cover PPA and teacher release time, and contribute to the development of inclusive practice throughout the school.

We are looking for an excellent SEND HLTA who:

Teaching and Learning

• Will complement teachers' delivery of the curriculum.
• Will work collaboratively with teaching staff and assist in the planning, preparation, delivery and evaluation of learning activities.
• Will teach whole class in the SEND Unit covering PPA and teacher release time on a planned basis.
• Will occasionally supervise whole SEND Unit class during the short-term absence of teachers.
• Will utilise advanced levels of knowledge and skills to support planning, monitoring, assessment and class management.
• Will deliver targeted interventions and personalised learning programmes for pupils with SEND.
• Will support pupils to access learning across the curriculum and achieve their full potential.
• Will encourage pupils to become independent, resilient and confident learners.

SEND Support

• Has a recognised HLTA qualification (or equivalent) and experience working with children with SEND.
• Has strong knowledge and understanding of a range of SEND needs and effective strategies to support them.
• Will work closely with the SENDCo, teachers, parents and external agencies to ensure pupils' needs are effectively met.
• Will support the implementation and review of individual support plans, EHCP targets and intervention programmes.
• Will monitor, record and report on pupil progress and outcomes.
• Will contribute to the identification of barriers to learning and the development of strategies to overcome them.
• Will promote inclusion and ensure pupils with SEND are fully included in all aspects of school life.

Pupil Welfare and Behaviour

• Will provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where children can flourish.
• Will be calm, patient and nurturing in their approach.
• Will follow the school's behaviour and restorative approaches consistently.
• Will support pupils' emotional wellbeing, personal development and social skills.
• Will promote positive behaviour, engagement and attendance.
• Will encourage pupils to develop confidence, independence and self-esteem.

Leadership and Teamwork

• Will contribute to the development of support staff, students and school policies and strategies.
• Will model excellent inclusive practice and support colleagues in meeting the needs of pupils with SEND.
• Will work effectively as part of a whole-school team.
• Will demonstrate excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Will actively contribute to the school's Christian and nurturing ethos.
• Will support the school's vision, values and commitment to excellence for all learners.

Safeguarding

• Will be responsible for and committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Will ensure all pupils are protected from harm and that safeguarding procedures are followed at all times.

In return our Trust and its school offers you:

• Supportive parents and a welcoming local community.
• A strong and supportive leadership team with a clear sense of strategic vision.
• A supportive and highly committed staff team with high expectations who are willing to help each other.
• Well-resourced, safe and stimulating learning environments.
• Strong working partnerships within the Trust.
• Pupils with positive attitudes to learning who are hardworking, caring and proud to attend their school.
• The opportunity to make a difference.
• An enthusiastic and supportive Governing Body.
• The support of a strong and skilled Trust Central Team.
• Pension scheme.
• A comprehensive wellbeing support package including an annual Wellbeing Day.
• Tech and Cycle salary sacrifice schemes and other discount schemes.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to high-quality training opportunities and professional development.

If you would like to visit the school please contact recruitment@wlm.epworthtrust.org.uk

All applications should be made through My New Term and make reference to the job description and person specification. 

Additional Information

The main base for the role will be the SEND Unit at Westleigh Methodist School.

This post involves working with children, young people or vulnerable adults and is therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

This post is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures. Epworth Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

At the Epworth Education Trust we recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We work to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. The procedures contained in our Safeguarding Policy apply to all staff, volunteers and governors. Our child protection policy can be read here: Westleigh Methodist Primary School - Home

We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race.