Senior SEN Teaching Assistant

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - SEN School

Salary: £27,463-£29,982 per annum (actual salary, NOT pro-rata)

Location: Bristol area

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm

Contract: Full-time | Term-time only

Start Date: November 2026

Looking for a rewarding SEN role with fantastic benefits and term-time-only hours?

Simply Education is recruiting an enthusiastic and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a brand-new specialist school supporting children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a new school from the very beginning, with an excellent salary, shorter working days, fully funded training and the chance to make a genuine difference.

And the best part? The advertised salary is your actual annual salary, not a pro-rata figure!

What makes this opportunity different?

This isn't your typical classroom-based HLTA role.

You'll have the opportunity to deliver creative, engaging learning experiences both indoors and outdoors, using purpose-built facilities including:

• Dedicated outdoor learning spaces and secure playing fields
• A multi-use games area (MUGA)
• Specialist Art, Design Technology and Science classrooms
• A practical teaching kitchen for developing life skills
• Indoor and outdoor sensory and quiet spaces

You'll be joining a supportive specialist setting where every pupil is encouraged to develop their confidence, independence and love of learning.

What you'll be doing

• Leading lessons and providing classroom cover when required
• Delivering engaging learning activities to individuals, small groups and whole classes
• Supporting pupils with ASD, SEMH and additional learning needs
• Using outdoor and practical activities to make learning more engaging
• Supporting positive behaviour, emotional regulation and pupil wellbeing
• Working closely with teachers and other professionals to support pupil progress
• Helping create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment

What we're looking for

• HLTA Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEN, ASD or SEMH
• Confidence leading learning activities and managing classroom behaviour
• A patient, positive and creative approach to supporting young people
• An interest in outdoor education and practical learning

Experience in a specialist SEN school or outdoor education setting would be advantageous but isn't essential.

Fantastic employee benefits

Alongside your salary and term-time-only working pattern, you'll receive access to:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• UK Healthcare
• £1,000 refer-a-friend scheme
• Life assurance
• High street discounts through Perkbox
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Car scheme
• Fully funded training and qualifications

Ready for something different?

If you're an experienced HLTA looking for a rewarding opportunity with excellent benefits, a supportive environment and the chance to help shape a brand-new specialist school, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV or contact Ioan at Simply Education for an informal, confidential chat.

Call: (phone number removed)

WhatsApp: (phone number removed)

Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Reference 225702429