SEND Teaching Assistant / HLTA – Specialist SEND School

Job Title: SEND Teaching Assistant / Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Location: London
Start Date: Immediate Start
Salary: £95–£130 per day (depending on experience and qualifications)
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term Opportunities

Are you an exceptional Teaching Assistant or Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with a passion for supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities?

Do you have experience working with pupils with complex learning needs and the confidence to provide outstanding classroom support?

Are you a dedicated, patient and proactive individual looking to make a genuine difference within a specialist SEND school?

TeacherActive are proud to be recruiting for exceptional SEND Teaching Assistants and HLTAs to work within specialist SEND schools across London.

We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced and highly motivated individuals who are passionate about supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and complex communication difficulties.

The successful Teaching Assistant or HLTA will work closely with class teachers, therapists and other education professionals to deliver high-quality learning support, promote independence and create a positive, nurturing and inclusive environment.

For HLTA opportunities, you may also be responsible for leading small-group interventions, delivering planned lessons and providing classroom cover under the direction of teaching staff.

The successful Teaching Assistant / HLTA will:

• Provide exceptional classroom support to pupils with a range of SEND needs.

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, adapting approaches to individual learning requirements.

• Assist with the delivery of engaging, differentiated and sensory-based learning activities.

• Support pupils with Autism, SLD, MLD, PMLD, SEMH and complex additional needs.

• Implement EHCP targets and individual learning plans to support pupil progress.

• Use positive behaviour management, de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies.

• Support pupils with communication difficulties, using approaches such as Makaton, PECS or AAC where appropriate.

• Assist with personal care, mobility and physical support where required.

• Promote independence, confidence, social development and essential life skills.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, SENCOs and the wider SEND team.

• For HLTA roles, lead planned learning activities, deliver interventions and provide classroom cover when required.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant or HLTA within a specialist SEND school or similar educational setting.

• A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, HLTA status or equivalent relevant experience.

• A strong understanding of SEND and the ability to support pupils with complex learning and communication needs.

• Experience supporting pupils with Autism, SLD, MLD, PMLD or SEMH.

• Excellent behaviour management and communication skills.

• Knowledge of safeguarding, EHCPs and inclusive education.

• A patient, resilient, compassionate and adaptable approach.

• The confidence to support pupils with varying levels of independence and additional care requirements.

• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and families.

• A genuine passion for helping children and young people achieve their full potential.

In return for the above, you can expect to receive:

• A dedicated team of consultants available 24/7 to support you.

• Competitive rates of pay.

• Access to CPD courses and specialist SEND training.

• Opportunities for long-term placements and career progression.

• Support and guidance throughout the recruitment process.

• The opportunity to work within supportive specialist SEND school environments.

• A rewarding role where you can make a lasting difference to pupils' lives.

If you are an exceptional SEND Teaching Assistant or HLTA who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs, we would love to hear from you!

To apply, please send your updated CV or contact TeacherActive's London SEND Recruitment Team for further information.

All applicants will be contacted to discuss suitability and then invited to register with TeacherActive.

Registration involves an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and professional reference checks. We pride ourselves on excellent service and can provide a wide range of opportunities in schools and other educational institutions, with competitive rates of pay, at times to suit your needs.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business in providing temporary or contract job-seeking services.

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.