PolyMAT is a small but ambitious Multi-Academy Trust with a distinctive family ethos and a strong commitment to excellence in education. Guided by our vision, "Success for Everyone", we are dedicated to ensuring that every student is supported to achieve their full potential. We are seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic and highly motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join the team at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting teaching and learning within a thriving and inclusive school community, making a real difference to the lives of our students

Our Trust currently comprises three schools:

•  Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys – a long-established and successful boys’ secondary school
•  Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls – opened in 2019 and has quickly become a beacon of success and progress 
• Bannockburn Primary School – a large, thriving primary school that joined the Trust in November 2023

We also offer a flourishing co-educational Sixth Form. Across all our schools, we promote a culture of high standards, underpinned by our core values of Care and Unity. Staff and students benefit from a supportive, collaborative environment where everyone feels part of the PolyMAT family.

 About the Role

 Reporting to the SENDCo, the HLTA will play a key role in supporting students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Working closely with teachers and other professionals, you will help remove barriers to learning, promote independence and inclusion, and contribute to raising pupil attainment and engagement.

 What We Are Looking For

 We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual who:

• Has experience working with children and young people, ideally within a school environment.
• Has experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and a strong understanding of strategies that promote their learning and wellbeing
• Is organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, staff, parents and external professionals.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Works well as part of a team and is committed to making a positive difference to students' educational experiences.

What We Offer

As a valued member of the PolyMAT team, you will benefit from:

•  Opportunities for career progression
• Access to apprenticeship training and excellent CPD
• A contributory pension scheme
• Collaboration with outstanding teaching professionals
• Employee benefits including:
• Discount schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loans
• Cycle2Work scheme
• On-site parking
• Excellent catering facilities
• Free daily coffee for staff

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offer of employment is subject upon the Academy Trust receiving an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS), which the Academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

In accordance with KCSIE 2025, shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online profile and social media check.

PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination, and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive Trust that strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, has the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’.

For any potential applicants, we encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognize that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individual's needs.

Sharing your needs with us ahead of the interview allows us to fully support you and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates to contact us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support. Please contact hr@polymat.co.uk if this is the case.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 12 July. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.

Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled.