Most HLTA roles feel like you're propping up an existing machine. This one is different: you're building something from scratch at a purpose-built special school opening its doors to children with autism and complex emotional needs. If you've got the skills, the heart, and the hunger to help shape a genuinely inclusive learning environment from day one, this is your moment
Imagine walking into a school designed from the ground up for the children who need it most. State-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, and a founding team culture where every person's contribution actually matters. As an HLTA here, you won't be squeezing specialist support into cramped spaces or fighting outdated systems. You'll be part of building something that works, right from the start
Your day will look like this: leading small group interventions tailored to each child's needs, working one-to-one with young people with autism or SEMH challenges, and collaborating closely with class teachers to shape personalised learning strategies that actually stick. You'll monitor progress, celebrate breakthroughs, and see the direct impact of your support. This isn't background work - it's frontline education where your expertise changes outcomes
The team here is invested in you growing. Ongoing training and development are built in, not afterthoughts. You'll work alongside professionals who chose to be here, who share the mission, and who genuinely want to support each other. Being a founding member means your voice shapes how this school operates, how it treats families, how it celebrates wins
What you will be doing
- Plan and deliver lessons alongside class teachers, tailored to each student's individual needs and learning style
- Lead small group and one-to-one interventions focused on academic progress, social skills, and emotional regulation
- Develop and support personalised learning plans and positive behaviour strategies with the teaching team
- Monitor and record student progress, spotting patterns and providing meaningful feedback to teachers
- Build strong, consistent relationships with families to ensure your support aligns with what's happening at home
- Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom where every child can show up and thrive
Why you will love working here
- Full-time, term-time contract at £15.37 - £16.78 per hour, with the stability and rhythm that term-time work brings
- The rare chance to be part of a founding team in a brand-new, purpose-built school designed specifically for children with autism and SEMH needs
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and smaller class sizes where your support genuinely moves the needle
- Ongoing training and development built into your role so you keep growing professionally
- A supportive, genuinely inclusive working environment where your expertise is valued and your voice counts
Is this you?
- You hold an HLTA qualification or can evidence equivalent professional experience in education
- You've worked with children with autism, SEMH needs, or other complex additional needs in a school or educational setting
- You understand SEND, inclusive practices, and how to adapt your approach to different learners
- You communicate clearly with students, colleagues, and families, and you build trust naturally
- You're patient, flexible, and resilient - you stay calm when things get tricky and you problem-solve on your feet
- Safeguarding children is non-negotiable for you; it's woven into everything you do
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.