Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Salary: NJC 15-17 £25,053 - £25,885 (Actual) £30,024 - £31,022 (FTE) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37 per week, 38 weeks per year
Contract: Fixed Term - until August 2026
Closing date: 16th November
Interview date: 24th November
Start date: January 2026

An excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day

At Lift Cottingley, we're proud to be a school where ambition is more than a word; it's woven into everything we do. We're looking for a passionate, proactive and reliable Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team and help drive forward learning outcomes for our children.

You'll work closely with the SENDCo and SEND officer to inspire, support and guide pupils - leading small groups and playing a pivotal role in shaping progress for some of our vulnerable learners. If you're someone who thrives on variety, enjoys helping others shine, and is looking to make a tangible impact, we'd love to hear from you.

We are happy to support the completion of HLTA training for this role, as long as the successful candidate already holds Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) and has relevant experience.

About the role

This is a dynamic and rewarding role that puts you right at the heart of learning. As an HLTA, you'll:

• Support pupils with SEND and help them make meaningful progress
• Deliver engaging and accessible sessions, including small group interventions
• Have shared responsibility for the learning environment of the SEND pupils
• Step in and lead lessons when required - planned or unplanned
• Help plan lessons and provide feedback that makes a difference
• Be a role model for excellent classroom practice

What we're looking for
We're seeking someone who:

• Holds a recognised HLTA or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent (minimum of level 3 is essential for this role)
• Has experience supporting children's learning across the primary age range
• Is confident delivering interventions and covering lessons independently
• Has a strong understanding of how to support children with SEND
• Can work flexibly, proactively and collaboratively within a team
• Shows resilience, positivity and a clear commitment to inclusion
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and promotes a safe learning environment

About the school:

At Lift Cottingley, we are proud to be a vibrant, ambitious school community with a strong sense of purpose and belonging. We combine high expectations for academic achievement with a deep commitment to inclusion, creativity and play. Our children benefit from a unique and evolving site, including large outdoor spaces, an OPAL play programme, a developing forest area, and a growing range of specialist provisions to ensure every child thrives.

We are incredibly proud of our successes, from exceptional outcomes in reading, writing and maths to our national recognition for oracy, inclusion and sustainability. We are an excellent school, with a culture built on collaboration, professional growth and innovation. Staff here know they will be supported, developed and trusted, with regular coaching, dedicated time to focus on what matters, and the chance to shape whole-school initiatives. Our values - big-hearted, unusually brave, pushing the limits and discovering what's possible - are lived daily by children and adults alike.

If you want to join a forward-thinking team where your contribution makes a visible difference, and be part of a community that is ambitious for every child, then Lift Cottingley is the place to grow your career.

Come and visit us:

If you would like to know more about this role or would like to arrange a visit please contact us.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.