Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work!

Position:  Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Location: Strawberry Lane School, Durham, DH6 5BE
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday 
Salary:      £24,876 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

At Strawberry Lane School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential. We're looking for an enthusiastic, caring and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our dedicated team and help transform the lives of children and young people with additional needs.

This is much more than a classroom support role. As an HLTA, you'll play a key part in delivering engaging learning experiences, leading interventions, covering lessons when required and helping pupils develop the confidence, resilience and independence they need to succeed.

Working alongside teachers, therapists and a passionate multidisciplinary team, you'll make a genuine difference every single day.

What You'll Be Doing

• Deliver engaging lessons and targeted interventions, supporting individuals, small groups and whole classes under the guidance of teaching staff.
• Cover lessons during teacher absence, ensuring high-quality learning continues in a positive and structured environment.
• Support pupils with SEND, autism and additional needs to achieve their academic, social and emotional potential.
• Prepare learning resources, contribute to lesson planning and adapt activities to meet individual learning needs.
• Monitor pupil progress, behaviour and wellbeing, providing detailed feedback to teachers and supporting personalised learning plans.
• Promote positive behaviour, confidence and independence through consistent, nurturing approaches.
• Mentor and support Teaching Assistants, sharing best practice and contributing to whole-school improvement.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families and the wider school team to ensure every pupil receives the highest quality support.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Holds a relevant HLTA or teaching qualification.
• Has GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Experienced in supporting children and young people with SEND, autism and/or complex behaviours.
• Confident leading learning, delivering interventions and covering lessons when required.
• An excellent communicator who enjoys working as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
• Organised, adaptable and confident using IT to support learning and maintain accurate records.
• Holds a full UK driving licence (desirable).
• Passionate about safeguarding and committed to helping every pupil achieve their full potential.

About Us

Strawberry Lane School is a brand-new specialist school in Bowburn, Durham, supporting 60 pupils aged 11–19 with autism, communication needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. The school celebrates each learner’s strengths while providing structure, guidance, and encouragement. Strawberry Lane 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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