Job Description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Lydiard Park Academy is seeking an exceptional and motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a Trust which truly values its staff and provides a highly supportive environment.

The post holder will support high-quality teaching and learning across the school, working with individuals, and groups. The HLTA will work collaboratively with teachers and other support staff to help raise student achievement and ensure high standards of engagement, inclusion, and progress. The HLTA will take a lead role in organising Exam Access Arrangements (EAA) for eligible students in line with JCQ regulations, ensuring compliance and effective implementation. This role will contribute significantly to inclusive practice and academic progress, particularly for students with additional needs.

Please job description below for full details of the role.

More About The Role:

This role is a pivotal one in the academy's future journey, as our newly appointed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) will help to continue to build upon the successes of our Trust. The successful candidate will form part of the support team and will work closely with the Assistant Principal, other senior leaders and all staff across the school.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed by appointment.

Salary:

30 ,836 gross per annum FTE (21,404 gross per annum pro rata)

Hours:

Part time - 30 hours per week

Start date:

As soon as possible

Please note we will review applications as they come in. We reserve the right to close this advert at any point.

Why choose us?

The Park Academies Trust is a family of schools, both primary and secondary, that believes in 'collaboration not competition'. Together we are stronger!

Formed in 2016 with the vision to make a significant contribution to improving education, we are a growing Trust with a strong academic performance and are looking to enhance our team with committed and passionate teachers.

A family of eight schools; Abbey Park School, Lydiard Park Academy, Highworth Warneford School, The Deanery CE Academy, Orchid Vale Primary School, Red Oaks Primary School, The Kingfisher CE Academy and Bridlewood Primary School; the Trust offers a high quality all through educational provision from nursery right up to our Sixth Form based at Lydiard Park Academy, enabling staff and pupils alike to benefit from being part of a thriving multi-phase educational Trust.

Our aim is to offer all pupils a broad and inspirational curriculum while fulfilling individual learning needs. The positive and caring ethos at all our schools is combined with a clear mission to deliver the richest possible education experience which enables young people to leave our care as responsible citizens equipped to fulfil their personal goals and career aspirations.

In 2022, we celebrated another excellent year for GCSE results across both Trust secondary schools, and a very successful set of A level results from our Sixth Form based at LPA. We need talented staff as we take advantage of the unique opportunities ahead.

We offer:

A positive and dynamic environment in a Trust which is growing in both size and success
A strong pupil ethos centered on mutual respect and fulfilling potential
Competitive salary
A variety of career progression opportunities within the Trust
Support from experienced and knowledgeable colleagues across the Trust
Staff benefits package, including salary sacrifice electric vehicle leasing, affordable technology, cycle to work scheme, shopping and holiday discounts
Staff wellbeing: access to online GP, discounted gym membership, Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing app
Attractive Pension Scheme

Safeguarding Statement

The Park Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All job offers are subject to satisfactory reference and DBS checks. In line with statutory guidance in 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', we will carry out an online search as part of our due-diligence on short-listed candidates.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Full

Job title

: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - LPA

Role reports to

: SENDCo / Assistant Principal

Job Purpose

:

To support high-quality teaching and learning across the school, working with individuals, and groups. The HLTA will work collaboratively with teachers and other support staff to help raise student achievement and ensure high standards of engagement, inclusion, and progress. The HLTA will take a lead role in organising Exam Access Arrangements (EAA) for eligible students in line with JCQ regulations, ensuring compliance and effective implementation. This role will contribute significantly to inclusive practice and academic progress, particularly for students with additional needs.

Key Accountabilities

:

Teaching & Learning Support

Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff for individuals and small groups.

Provide targeted academic and emotional support to students with additional needs, including SEND, EAL, and those receiving interventions and monitor their effectiveness.

Support students in developing independent learning strategies and study skills.

Assist with the preparation and adaptation of learning resources.

Assist in the assessment, recording, and reporting of students' progress.

Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)

Under the direction of the SENDCo and Exams Officer, take responsibility for the organisation, coordination, and administration of Exam Access Arrangements in compliance with JCQ regulations.

Work closely with the SENDCo, Exams Officer, and teaching staff to identify students requiring EAAs (e.g. extra time, a reader, a scribe, etc.).

Collect and maintain appropriate evidence to support EAA applications, including teacher referrals, assessment data, and specialist reports.

Liaise with external assessors (e.g. educational psychologists or specialist teachers) to arrange assessments where necessary.

Ensure all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and securely stored in line with data protection policies.

Oversee the delivery of EAA during mock exams and external examinations, including timetabling support staff and invigilators where needed.

With the SENDCo and exams officer, provide training and guidance to staff involved in delivering EAAs (e.g., readers/scribes).

Monitor and review EAA provision to ensure students are receiving appropriate and effective support.

Pastoral and Student Support

Promote the wellbeing, confidence, and independence of students through tailored support and mentoring.

Work with students to help them understand and manage their Exam Access Arrangements effectively.

Liaise with parents and carers regarding EAA and intervention support when appropriate.

Professional Collaboration

Collaborate with teachers, SENDCo, and other staff to assess learning needs and plan support.

Attend relevant training, meetings, and professional development sessions.

Contribute to the evaluation of interventions and student progress data.

Maintain effective communication with the Exams Officer and SLT regarding compliance and provision.

Student Support and Welfare

Support the emotional, social, and behavioural development of students.

Encourage student engagement and motivation through positive reinforcement and pastoral support.

Provide mentoring or guidance to students where appropriate.

Administrative and Record-Keeping Duties

Maintain up-to-date and accurate records of support provided, particularly relating to EAAs.

Assist with writing and reviewing pupil passports and IEPs.

Support the administrative needs of the SEND department where required.

Contribute to monitoring and reporting on safeguarding concerns

Supplementary Accountabilities

:

Be an active and supportive member of the school team.

Participate in regular Professional Development reviews to ensure that any personal development needs are identified and met. Attend relevant Inset training.

Adhere to the Staff Code of Conduct at all times.

It is advised that TAs should join a recognised trade union in order to safeguard their professional wellbeing.

Support the academy behaviour management programme

Support the effectiveness of all work teams

Support the maintenance of pupil safety and security and minimise the risk from health emergencies.

In accordance with the provisions of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself, colleagues and pupils who may be affected by your omissions at work, and to co-operate with the academy so far as is necessary to enable the academy to perform or comply with their duties under statutory health and safety provisions.

Undertake any other duties that can be accommodated within the grading level and nature of this post.

Job scope

:

This role does not have any line management responsibilities

Knowledge and experience

:

Essential

Experience of working in a secondary school or similar educational setting.

Strong administrative and organisational skills.

High standard of literacy and numeracy (GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths).

Experience of delivering small group or individual interventions.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.

Commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding.

Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable

HLTA status or equivalent qualification.

Experience of coordinating Exam Access Arrangements.

Knowledge of JCQ regulations relating to Exam Access Arrangements.

Experience working with external professionals (e.g. specialist assessors).

Working knowledge of school management systems (e.g. SIMS, Arbor).

Decision making

:

Set challenging and demanding expectations which promote self-esteem and independence.

Working under the direction of the line manager/classroom teacher, but some discretion is required - works independently with individuals or groups. Likely to need to initiate contact with parents/carers for designated pupil.

Contacts and relationships

:

Trust Management and all school employees

Local Authority representatives

Public, Parents and potential parents

External organisations

Pupils

Creativity and Innovation

:

Awareness of different learning styles and emotional barriers to enable a creative and flexible response to students' needs.

Job Specific Competencies

Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security.

GCSE grade C or above English and Maths or equivalent qualifications.

HLTA qualification or willingness to undertake training.

No job description can be exhaustive and the duties may alter in practice or over time. The post holder is expected to use his / her professional judgment to ensure that the role continues to evolve and develop in line with the Trust's changing requirements.

In accordance with the provisions of GDPR, jobholders should take reasonable care to ensure that personal data is not disclosed outside the Trust procedures, or use personal data held on others for their own purposes. In accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, ensure requests for non-personal information are dealt with in accordance with the Trust's written procedures.

Safeguarding - Children & Vulnerable Adults

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. Staff must work in accordance with the South West Child Protection procedures and Child Protection/Safeguarding Policy and understand their role within that Policy.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 21,404.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Work Location: In person