Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Bournemouth
Full-Time | Temporary to Permanent contract 
Start Date: September 2026

We are seeking an experienced, resilient and highly motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a specialist educational setting in Bournemouth from September 2026. This is a full-time position offered on a temporary-to-permanent basis for the right candidate.

The role involves supporting children and young people with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behavioural challenges.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled HLTA who is passionate about helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver learning activities and interventions to individuals and small groups.
• Lead lessons and learning sessions in the absence of the teacher.
• Support students with complex SEND needs and challenging behaviours.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans.
• Build positive, professional relationships with students to promote engagement and emotional regulation.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, therapists, parents and external agencies.
• Contribute to creating a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• HLTA status or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of Autism, SEMH, ADHD and associated behavioural needs.
• Proven ability to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour using positive behaviour support approaches.
• Excellent communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.
• Resilience, patience and a calm, consistent approach under pressure.
• Experience leading lessons
• The ability to adapt learning and support strategies to meet individual needs.

Essential Personal Qualities

• Empathetic and understanding.
• Confident and proactive.
• Able to establish clear boundaries while maintaining positive relationships.
• Committed to inclusion and safeguarding.
• Passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of young people.

What We Offer

• A supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• The opportunity to work in a rewarding specialist setting.
• Potential for a permanent position following a successful temporary period.
• A role where you can have a genuine impact on student progress, wellbeing and future success.

If you have the skills, experience and dedication to support young people with additional needs and behavioural challenges, we would love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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