Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Primary

Full Job Description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title:  Higher-Level Teaching Assistant
Location:  Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands WS2 7BH
Salary:      £23,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.00pm
Contract:  Permanent, Term Time Only
Start:         November 2025
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, we have an exciting opportunity for a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant - Primary to join our warm and welcoming team at Ryecroft School, part of Options Autism.

About the Role

Ryecroft School is a nurturing and inclusive setting where every child is supported to thrive. As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in shaping engaging, creative, and personalised learning experiences for our pupils with a range of special educational needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated and proactive HLTA who is passionate about helping children with complex needs reach their full potential. You’ll work closely with teachers and support staff to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help every pupil achieve both academically and emotionally.

Your role will involve leading and supporting learning across the curriculum, delivering small group and one-to-one sessions, and occasionally covering lessons in the teacher’s absence. You’ll also model positive behaviour management, promote emotional regulation, and contribute to a safe, nurturing environment where pupils feel valued, respected, and encouraged to succeed.

We are looking for someone who is calm, compassionate, and adaptable — a team player with excellent communication skills and a genuine desire to make a difference every day.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Confidence in leading small groups or whole-class activities when required
• A nurturing, patient, and resilient approach to supporting children
• A strong team ethic, with the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively
• Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths (or equivalent)
• HLTA qualification or relevant experience (desirable)

Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience working in an SEN/ASC environment (highly desirable)
• Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English or equivalent
• Further education or qualifications in a relevant field (desirable)
• Excellent communication, organisational, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to the needs of pupils and the school

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic pupils and to contribute to a supportive and collaborative school environment.

About Us

Ryecroft School is an independent day school in Walsall, providing specialist education for autistic children and young people aged 4–18 years.

We focus on meeting the unique learning needs of autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours that may present as a result of their diagnoses. Our new school, which opened in September 2024, has a capacity for 60 pupils and is designed to support learners with autism and complex needs in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment.

Ryecroft School is located in Walsall, a vibrant market town in the West Midlands. The school is well connected, situated just 9 miles north-west of Birmingham, 7 miles east of Wolverhampton, and 9 miles from Lichfield, offering easy access for families across the region.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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