Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Milton on Stour CofE Primary School

 Salary: Dorset Grade 9, pay point 19 – 25, £32,061 – £36,363 per annum (DOE) FTE
Actual Salary: £19,139 - £21,708 per annum (DOE) pro rata
Contract: Permanent, part-time 25 hours per week

Closing date: 9.00am, Monday 5^th January 2026
Interview Date: TBC

Job summary;

This is an exciting opportunity to join our experienced and dedicated cover team as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). The successful applicant will work closely with class teachers to support teaching and learning across the school, including leading learning activities and providing cover for planned teacher absence where required. 

We have a dedicated staff team who are committed to ensuring that all our pupils share our enthusiasm for learning, and our values are reflected in all aspects of school life

The successful applicant will champion a culture defined by aspiration, where everyone is encouraged to reach their highest potential; collaboration, achieving shared goals together; inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard and valued; enjoyment, fostering a vibrant and positive work environment; and nurturing relationships, cultivating kindness and trust in all our interactions. 

Full details of the role can be found in the job description and person specification.

Our School 

We are situated in a beautiful village just outside the town of Gillingham in North Dorset. Our school is made up of 5 classes, with an admission number of 20 each year. We are located next to the Church of St Simon and St Jude and we have strong links with our church and community.

Our school curriculum is based on the core values of Love, Hope and Joy and has been written to promote ambitious reading and oracy, to develop character skills and to embrace diversity. We use key texts as the drivers for our curriculum and create many opportunities for experiential learning and project outcomes.

We warmly welcome visits to our school and would be delighted to show you around our school. 

If you require any further details regarding the role, please feel free to contact Jess Gaertig on office@milton.dorset.sch.uk We would love to hear from you, we warmly welcome visits to our school and would be delighted to show you around our school.

Please be aware that this role may be closed ahead of the deadline if sufficient applications are received.

Why work with us? / Why join us? / Why choose us?

You’ll be joining a trusted community that is built on shared values and genuine care for every learner. As part of 21 schools, you will benefit from shared expertise, strong professional development, and clear pathways for progression. Our scale allows us to invest in high-quality training, mentoring, and resources to help you succeed. we offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where staff wellbeing truly matters, including;

• Excellent pension scheme
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies
• Employee wellbeing support & counselling
• Strong central team support and a real sense of family and belonging
• Staff involvement in shaping key HR policies
• Free eye tests (and glasses if required for your role)
• Free annual flu jab
• Discounts & savings, including:
• Wiltshire Rewards retail savings
• Motor Source Group car discounts (average saving £4,000)
• Emergency salary advance scheme
  
  

Most importantly, you’ll make a real impact while being backed by a stable, forward-thinking organisation that values your contribution.

If you have used My New Term previously, please remember to update it with your current workplace details and responsibilities.

Pickwick Academy Trust’s vision, strategy and mission is underpinned by our moral purpose to provide the best education and curriculum for the children we serve, and is based on the values of: aspiration; collaboration; inclusion; enjoyment; and nurturing relationships, with the intention of empowering children to become life-long learners, global citizens and deep thinkers.  

We provide a strong ethical framework that enables children to make thoughtful, positive choices, and are committed to providing a high quality and educationally stimulating learning environment, led by exceptional and dedicated staff. 

If you're eager to contribute and collaborate with driven, compassionate, and committed individuals, we encourage you to apply. Our mission is to attract and retain individuals who are unwavering in their pursuit of our shared vision. 

We offer an excellent staff benefits package, employees have access to a dedicated wellbeing hub, a cycle-to-work scheme, and a wide range of health and lifestyle perks. We support flexible working arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and are committed to your ongoing career and professional development through training opportunities, learning resources, and clear progression pathways. 

As a Diversity & Inclusion employer, Pickwick Academy Trust warmly welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise needing applicants. For any application support, including MNT, please contact AskHR@pickwickacademytrust.co.uk

Safeguarding
Pickwick Academy Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, governors, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As such, all applicants are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they are considered “spent.” An enhanced DBS check will be undertaken prior and a requirement to the commencement of any employment. 

References will be requested at the shortlisting stage for all roles and may be used during the interview process. If any of your previous employments includes working with children, one referee must be from that role regardless of whether it is your current or most recent position. If you currently work in a Pickwick Academy School, please nominate your current Headteacher. All gaps in employment must be accounted for and explained in the relevant section of the application form. 

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and our safer recruitment procedures, an online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. This search will involve reviewing publicly available information to help assess a candidate’s suitability to work with children. Further guidance will be provided to shortlisted candidates, who may be asked to clarify aspects of their online presence.