Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Full Job Description

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Job Title:  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Location:  The Tower School, Epping, CM16 4BA
Hours:  37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Salary:  £25,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:  September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and proactive Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support high-quality teaching and learning across the school. Working closely with teachers, you will help plan, deliver and assess learning, lead activities and interventions, and ensure pupils are supported to achieve their full potential in a safe, inclusive environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Deliver planned lessons and targeted interventions, including covering classes in the teacher’s absence
• Support the planning and preparation of lessons, adapting resources and activities to meet pupil needs
• Work with individuals, groups or whole classes to promote progress, independence and equal access to learning
• Monitor, assess and record pupil progress, providing clear verbal and written feedback to teachers and pupils
• Apply effective behaviour management strategies in line with school policies to maintain a positive learning environment
• Contribute to pupil documentation and support plans (e.g. IEPs, BSPs, risk assessments), helping to review and evaluate progress
• Promote pupils’ confidence, self-esteem and independence, recognising and celebrating achievement
• Maintain and manage learning resources and equipment effectively, ensuring a safe and organised environment

About Us

The Tower School is an independent specialist day school in Epping, Essex, supporting 62 pupils aged 11–18 with autism and complex needs. In a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our curriculum blends academic learning with life skills and personal development, fostering confidence, independence, and resilience. Guided by the Ask, Accept, Develop framework, The Tower School empowers every young person to thrive and reach their full potential.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the 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.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

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

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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