Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Location: Newham, East London

Job Type: Supply / Long-Term Opportunities

Start Date: After October Half Term 2026

Salary: Competitive Daily Rates (Dependent on Experience)

Experienced HLTA? Looking for a rewarding opportunity within a specialist SEN school?

We are currently recruiting experienced, confident and resilient Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) to work within a specialist SEN Primary School in Newham, East London.

Working closely with the school's Headteacher, we are looking for strong HLTAs who are comfortable taking on additional classroom responsibilities, supporting pupils with complex needs and confidently managing challenging behaviour.

The school is keen to meet and trial suitable candidates following the October half-term break, with opportunities for regular, ongoing work for successful applicants.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HLTA who enjoys working in a specialist setting and wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of children with additional needs.

The Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant,

you will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning across the school, working with primary-aged pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, autism and complex learning difficulties.

Key responsibilities will include

Leading classes and delivering pre-planned lessons in the teacher's absence.

Supporting teaching and learning across different primary age groups.

Delivering targeted interventions and small-group learning activities.

Supporting pupils with complex SEN and challenging behaviour.

Implementing positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

Adapting learning activities to meet individual needs and abilities.

Building positive relationships with pupils and encouraging emotional regulation.

Working closely with teachers, SEN support staff and the wider pastoral team.

Maintaining a safe, structured and supportive classroom environment.

What We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who:

Have previous experience working as an HLTA, Senior Teaching Assistant or experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with additional classroom responsibilities.

Have strong experience supporting children with SEN, SEMH, autism or complex learning needs.

Are confident leading a classroom independently and delivering planned lessons.

Have excellent behaviour management skills and can remain calm in challenging situations.

Are resilient, adaptable, patient and proactive.

Can build strong relationships with pupils, teachers and support staff.

Hold an HLTA qualification or have demonstrable experience working at HLTA level.

Hold an Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service or are willing to obtain one.

Experience within a specialist SEN or SEMH school would be a significant advantage.

What's on Offer?

Competitive daily rates, dependent on experience.

Opportunities for both flexible supply and longer-term placements.

The chance to trial directly with the school after October half term.

Potential for consistent, ongoing work for successful candidates.

Experience working within a specialist SEN and SEMH primary school.

A rewarding opportunity to support vulnerable pupils and make a meaningful difference.

Support from an experienced education recruitment team.

Apply Today!

If you are an experienced HLTA with a strong SEN background, confident classroom management skills and a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs, we would love to hear from you.

The school is looking to arrange trials shortly after October half term, so early applications are encouraged.

Apply now with your up-to-date CV, and we will contact you to discuss the role, your availability and the next steps.

All appointments are subject to relevant safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references