Salary: Grade 9, Point 19: £16,576 per annum (actual)*

Contract: 21 hours 45 minutes per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days), permanent or fixed term (to be discussed at interview)

*The salary quoted reflects the annual salary for the position at the time of advertising. Payment will be made in equal monthly instalments and will be adjusted at the start of employment, and again if employment ends partway through the school year, to ensure the correct salary is paid for work completed during the academic year.

We are seeking a committed and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our dedicated school team at St Mary the Virgin Primary School. This is a classroom‑based role where you will work closely with teachers, teaching assistants and pupils to make a significant impact on teaching and learning. You will take responsibility for delivering agreed learning activities, supporting pupils of all backgrounds and abilities, and contributing to a positive, inclusive school environment.

You will play a key role in planning, delivering and monitoring learning activities, providing classroom cover during PPA time under an agreed system of supervision.

The working pattern for this role is 2 full days per week and 3 mornings per week, offering a balance of consistency, flexibility, and valuable time supporting learning across the school. The specific working arrangement will be discussed further at interview.

This is a wonderful opportunity to join a school within a Trust with great potential, clear strengths and the ability and desire to develop further.

This role will include:

• Providing classroom cover during PPA time under an agreed system of supervision
• Supporting pupils of all abilities to access the curriculum and achieve their potential
• Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff to enhance teaching and learning
• Contributing to the planning, preparation and assessment of learning activities
• Delivering planned learning activities to individuals, groups and whole classes
• Promoting a positive, inclusive and engaging learning environment
• Supporting pupils’ social, emotional and behavioural development
• Assisting with the organisation and management of the classroom

For more information about our school, please click here

To find out more about the benefits of working for SAST, click here

Should you wish to arrange a visit to view the School, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office, on office@stmarygillingham.dorset.sch.uk who will be happy to arrange this.

SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child.  It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis.  SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check.  The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.