Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Witherslackgroup; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Wakefield seeks a Higher Level Teaching Assistant for maternity cover until January 2027. You'll work with children facing significant challenges due to ASD and SEMH needs, helping them develop and learn in a supportive environment. The role offers a rewarding experience with a focus on making a positive impact on young lives. Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and full training provided, making it a great opportunity for dedicated professionals in education.

Benefits

Medical cover

Full school holidays

Training and induction

Wellbeing tools and support

Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)

Recommend-a-friend scheme with a £1,000 bonus

Qualifications

• You'll need to adapt learning to suit all children.
• Experience in trauma-informed practices is critical.
• Must be resilient and dedicated.

Responsibilities

• Help children with ASD and SEMH needs learn and develop.
• Create a safe classroom environment to foster learning.
• Support students with significant challenges.

Skills

Significant experience as a Teaching Assistant

Genuine passion for supporting children

Ability to plan meetings and liaise with teachers

Enthusiasm and expertise in supporting the department

Education

Relevant NVQ Level 3

HLTA qualification or equivalent

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Up to £27,528 + excellent benefits

Please note: this post is due to commence in April and is offered on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave until January 2027.

Those Huge Small Victories

Our higher level teaching assistants are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

Get out what you put in

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You’ll be there to help them learn, develop their abilities and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As a higher level teaching assistant at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well‑resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

One of the best environments in SEND

HallCliffe Primary School is an independent specialist day school providing high quality education, based in Wakefield. Recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

You’ll be working with children and young people who battle significant challenges. They may have a number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), trauma, Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Our children often display high levels of anxiety and is often displayed as verbal and physical aggression. You will need to be their rock. You’ll be trauma‑informed practitioner. You’ll be there to help them feel safe, develop trusting relationships and learn. Some of our children have gaps in their education. You will need to be able to adapt learning so that it is suitable for all to achieve. You will be an outstanding practitioner who skilfully is able to create a classroom environment where children feel safe. You will need to be extremely resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

Training: A full induction and on‑the‑job training

Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays

Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group

Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here

Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance

Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician’s or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts

Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities – check out our schools here

A recommend‑a‑friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)

Bring your whole‑self to work

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

• Significant experience as a Teaching assistant
• Your genuine passion for supporting children learn and the impact it can have on their lives
• Your enthusiasm and expertise to support your department
• Your ability to plan meetings, work without supervision and liaise with teachers to devise complementary learning activities
• You’ll also need a relevant NVQ Level 3 and a HLTA qualification, or equivalent

Interested in joining us?

Our young people deserve the best possible future and we feel the same about our teams. You deserve to have the career you want, with a purpose‑led employer, in an environment that allows you to be yourself.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

For a full job description and person specification, please click here.

To view our ex‑offenders policy please click here.

To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the 'Parents and Carers' section of this School/Learning centre. You can find all our Schools here.

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD