Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Full Job Description

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Job Title:  Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Location:  Acorn Park School, Norwich, NR16 2HU
Hours:  37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary:  £23,321.34 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:  November 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

What you will be doing

• Supporting teachers by planning, preparing and delivering engaging lessons and learning activities, including covering lessons when required.
• Delivering targeted interventions and adapting learning to meet the individual needs of pupils.
• Monitoring pupil progress and providing detailed feedback to teachers to support future learning.
• Promoting positive behaviour, independence, confidence and emotional wellbeing through consistent support and encouragement.
• Supporting the development of individual education plans, behaviour support strategies and other pupil documentation.
• Mentoring and supporting Teaching Assistants while working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and the wider school team.

Who We’re Looking For

• GCSE Maths and English, Grade 4/C or equivalent
• Experience supporting students with complex needs in an educational setting
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage and guide learning support assistants
• Collaborative, adaptable, and committed to helping every student reach their full potential
• Passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive, and structured learning environment

About Acorn Park School

Acorn Park School is an independent Autism specialist school in rural South Norfolk supporting autistic children and young people aged 4–19. Set within a large 37 acre private estate, the school provides a safe, nurturing environment where pupils are placed at the heart of everything we do. We have two curriculum pathways, Formal and Semi-Formal, to support the wide range of needs and abilities of the pupils at the school. We have an integrated clinical team that provide and range of therapeutic approaches including: Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy and psychotherapy. The school benefits from extensive facilities including specialist subject spaces such as DT room, Science lab, an outdoor education space, animal care farm, horticulture polytunnels and a commercial kitchen. Working in partnership with families, we empower pupils to grow in confidence, develop independence and thrive as they prepare for their next steps in life.

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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