Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Tiverton School

What is the job role?

Are you passionate about supporting pupils with complex Autism and communication needs to thrive in a nurturing and highly specialist environment? 

Tiverton School is seeking a dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Senior Support Staff (HLTA) member to join our Constructive Pathway classes. This role is ideal for someone with experience supporting pupils with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), complex communication needs, sensory processing differences, and emotional regulation difficulties.

The Constructive Pathway supports pupils who require highly personalised approaches to learning, communication, regulation, and independence. Pupils within this pathway may be pre-verbal or minimally verbal and benefit from structured, low-arousal environments alongside consistent, relationship-based support.  

As a Senior Support Staff member, you will:

• Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists to deliver highly personalised learning experiences
• Support pupils with communication using approaches such as PECS, Makaton, AAC, and visual supports
• Lead and support classroom support staff within the class team
• Promote emotional regulation, independence, and positive behaviour strategies
• Support with personal care, sensory regulation, and therapeutic approaches throughout the school day
• Help create engaging, safe, and structured learning environments tailored to pupils’ individual needs
• Build strong relationships with families and professionals to ensure consistent support for pupils

 We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEND, particularly Autism and complex needs
• Is calm, patient, and able to respond positively in challenging situations
• Understands the importance of communication, regulation, and sensory needs
• Can lead by example and support colleagues within the classroom team
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils 

The successful candidate will join a supportive and passionate team committed to ensuring every pupil develops communication, independence, emotional wellbeing, and life skills to prepare them for adulthood. 

Relevant qualifications such as Level 4/HLTA (or willingness to work towards this) and previous SEND experience are desirable.

If you would like to arrange a visit to the school please contact us at [email removed]. 

Work pattern:35 hours per week, 39 weeks per year.  

Need help completing your application form? The Job Shop can support you. You can email them at [email removed] or  visit the Job Shop in person, please see their webpage for more information. 

Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply.  This does not prevent individuals with or without other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.  

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS, all relevant safeguarding and pre-employment clearances, and the receipt of two satisfactory references.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.