Specialist HLTACouncil

Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Specialist Teaching Service (STS)

Salary: £33,119 - £37,563 per annum (Pro Rata)
Contract: Fixed Term for 2 Years
Hours: Part-Time, 22.2 - 32.5 hours per week, Term-Time Only
Location: Countywide
Closing Date: 8 December 2026
Interview Date: Week Commencing 4 January 2027

International Sponsorship: This role is not open to international sponsorship.

Make a Difference to the Lives of Children with SEND

We are seeking to appoint multiple enthusiastic and dedicated Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistants to join our highly regarded Inclusion Service within the Specialist Teaching Service (STS).

This is an exciting opportunity to support young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), their families, and educational settings across the county. Working as part of a skilled and experienced team, you will play a vital role in helping children achieve their full potential through high-quality intervention, support and advice.

The Specialist Teaching Service is a countywide peripatetic service providing specialist support to children and young people with SEND from birth through to further education. Our team includes Specialist Teachers, Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistants, Deaf Role Models and Sensory Technicians who work collaboratively with families, professionals and educational settings.

About the Role

As a Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Deliver our Portage offer, providing support, guidance and practical strategies to parents, carers and families to help develop their child's learning and development at home and within the community.
• Support Early Years practitioners to meet the needs of children with SEND and facilitate successful transitions into school settings.
• Contribute to the assessment of children's development and learning, including supporting statutory Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs).
• Work closely with parents, carers, practitioners and multi-agency professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
• Manage a varied caseload effectively and independently.
• Use IT systems confidently to support both service delivery and administrative responsibilities.

About You

We are looking for motivated and committed professionals who:

• Have a strong commitment to SEND and inclusive practice.
• Are passionate about Early Years education, particularly supporting children from birth to four years old.
• Have experience working with children who have a range of special educational needs and disabilities.
• Can confidently model effective teaching and intervention approaches to parents, carers and Early Years practitioners.
• Build positive relationships and work collaboratively with families, schools and settings.
• Can provide both support and challenge to educational settings to improve outcomes for children with SEND.
• Are committed to improving outcomes and opportunities for every child.

What We Can Offer

In return, we offer:

• The opportunity to join a friendly and highly professional team dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Ongoing support from experienced colleagues as you develop within the role.
• Access to high-quality professional development and training opportunities.
• A comprehensive range of employee benefits.
• Flexible part-time working arrangements during term time only.
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine impact on children's lives and future opportunities.

Additional Information

Please note that the Specialist Teaching Service operates across the whole county and successful candidates will be expected to travel throughout our geographical area.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with our Portage offer before applying.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you are passionate about supporting children with SEND and want to be part of a service that makes a real difference to families, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape brighter futures for children and young people.

Job Description and Person Specification