Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Physical Needs Base

Location: Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
Pay: £100–£120 per day, depending on experience
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm
Contract: Full-time, term-time only
Start Date: December 2026
Duration: Full academic year, with potential for extension and permanent employment.

Make a real difference. Develop your career. Be part of something special.

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or someone with a background in care or working with children who is ready to take the next step in their career?

We are looking for a passionate, confident and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a welcoming and supportive secondary school in Penarth, working within their specialist Physical Needs Base.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to develop their skills, gain valuable experience and progress within education. You don't necessarily need previous experience working within a Physical Needs Base, as full training and ongoing support will be provided throughout your placement.

You will be supporting pupils aged 11–16 with complex physical and medical needs, helping them access learning, develop independence and achieve their full potential both within the specialist provision and mainstream school environment.

The Role – What Will You Be Doing?

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting teaching and learning, working closely with teaching staff and the wider support team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teaching and learning within the Physical Needs Base and mainstream classrooms.
• Leading lessons and delivering planned learning activities when required.
• Managing classrooms and supporting positive behaviour and engagement.
• Providing targeted interventions and individualised learning support.
• Supporting pupils with complex physical and medical needs, ensuring their safety, dignity and wellbeing.
• Helping pupils access the curriculum and achieve positive learning outcomes.
• Supporting pupils during breaktimes, lunchtimes and extracurricular activities.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and social development.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, healthcare professionals and other support staff.

What Are We Looking For?

We are keen to hear from candidates who are enthusiastic about education and passionate about supporting young people.

You could be:

• An experienced Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking to progress into a higher-level role.
• Someone with experience supporting children or young people in a school, care or support setting.
• A care worker or support worker looking to transfer their skills into education.
• A graduate with a relevant degree who is interested in pursuing a career in teaching or specialist education.

You don't need direct experience supporting pupils with complex physical needs.

We are particularly interested in people who:

• Have experience working with children, young people or vulnerable individuals.
• Are confident, proactive and able to take initiative.
• Can build positive relationships and communicate effectively.
• Are willing to lead activities, offer interventions and support learning.
• Have a patient, compassionate and adaptable approach.
• Are keen to learn new skills and undertake specialist training.

Training & Development – Invest in Your Future

One of the biggest benefits of this opportunity is the training and development available.

Throughout your placement, you will receive support and training, which may include:

• Manual handling training.
• Hoist and specialist moving and handling training.
• First aid training.
• Supporting pupils with complex medical and physical needs.
• Specialist strategies to promote learning, communication and independence.

You will be joining a lovely, supportive team who will help you build confidence, develop your practical skills and grow into the role.

For someone looking to progress from a Teaching Assistant or support role into a more senior position within education, this is an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience.

What's on Offer?

• £100–£120 daily rate, depending on experience.
• Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8am–3pm.
• Term-time only.
• A December 2026 start.
• An ongoing placement for the full academic year, with potential for extension.
• Potential opportunity for a permanent contract.
• Comprehensive training and professional development.
• A welcoming and supportive school team.
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to young people's lives.

Interested?

If you are looking for an opportunity to take the next step in your career, develop specialist skills and make a meaningful difference to pupils aged 11–16, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this fantastic opportunity!

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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