Higher Level Teaching Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join a specialist therapeutic education setting in Dorset from September 2026, with flexibility for an earlier start for the right candidate.

This rewarding role involves supporting children and young people aged 7-19 with autism, complex learning difficulties, communication needs and additional behavioural or emotional challenges. The successful applicant will become part of a compassionate and highly collaborative team committed to helping pupils achieve greater independence, confidence and long-term success.

As a HLTA, you will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning across the provision while helping maintain a calm, structured and engaging educational environment.

You will work closely with teachers, therapists, teaching assistants and pastoral staff to ensure pupils receive consistent, high-quality support tailored to their individual needs.

• Delivering targeted interventions for individuals and small groups
• Supporting teachers with lesson preparation and classroom organisation
• Assisting pupils with communication, emotional regulation and learning activities
• Monitoring progress and contributing towards pupil reports and assessments
• Coaching and supporting teaching assistants and learning support colleagues
• Encouraging positive relationships and behaviour strategies
• Supervising learning activities during teacher absence where appropriate
• Supporting pupils to develop independence and life skills

The provision is committed to delivering highly personalised and therapeutic education that prepares young people for adulthood and future opportunities.

Staff work creatively and collaboratively to remove barriers to learning while celebrating every achievement, however small. Building trusting relationships and promoting emotional wellbeing are central to the school's ethos.

Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience in SEND education, specialist provisions, alternative education or care-based environments.

• Calm, resilient and adaptable
• Passionate about inclusive education and pupil wellbeing
• Confident supporting a range of additional needs
• A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Organised and proactive in their approach
• Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Extensive SEND and therapeutic training opportunities
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Supportive and approachable leadership teams