Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Special School - Southwark

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Specialist Autism and Complex Needs School

Location: Southwark, South East London

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: Full-time and Long-term

Pay: £100–£1115 PAYE per day

What does it take to help a pupil feel safe enough to learn when the classroom feels overwhelming, communication is difficult, or the world around them becomes too much?

Sometimes, progress starts with recognising that a student needs a quieter space. Sometimes, it means using visual supports, adapting an activity, allowing additional processing time, or finding a different way to communicate. And sometimes, it means celebrating a small step forward that represents a huge achievement for that individual.

In a specialist school supporting autistic pupils, students with severe learning difficulties (SLD), complex needs, and additional learning difficulties, understanding the individual behind the behaviour is at the heart of everything.

I am currently working with a specialist school in South West London that is looking for a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join their team on a long-term to permanent basis. The school is open to candidates seeking full-time work or four days a week.

Why This Role Stands Out

Working in a specialist setting requires patience, flexibility, and the ability to recognise that every student has their own way of learning, communicating, and experiencing the world.

In a mainstream classroom, learning is often measured through academic outcomes. In a specialist school, progress can look very different. It might mean a pupil independently completing a familiar task, communicating a need, tolerating a new activity, recognising numbers, or feeling confident enough to join a group.

As an HLTA, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to students’ daily experiences. You will support learning, help create a structured and predictable environment, and work alongside teachers and support staff to ensure pupils receive consistent, personalised support.

This is an opportunity for someone who understands the importance of getting to know each student, adapting their approach, and celebrating progress at every level.

What Your Week Could Look Like

One morning, you are supporting a pupil who finds transitions difficult. Using familiar visual prompts, a predictable routine, and a calm approach, you help them move into the classroom and begin their learning.

Later in the week, you work with a small group on practical activities designed to develop communication, independence, and early mathematical or literacy skills. You adapt the resources to suit individual abilities, giving pupils the time and support they need to participate.

Another day, you work alongside the class teacher to deliver a planned learning activity, support individual pupils, and share observations about what is helping them engage. You may also help a pupil regulate their emotions, manage sensory demands, or build confidence with an activity they previously found challenging.

These moments may seem small to others, but in a specialist setting, they can represent meaningful progress.

About the Setting and the Pupils

The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs, including:

• Autism spectrum condition (ASC)

• Severe learning difficulties (SLD)

• Complex learning and developmental needs

• Communication and interaction difficulties

• Sensory processing differences and difficulties with emotional regulation

• Additional learning difficulties and individual support needs

Pupils may require highly differentiated learning activities, visual communication systems, structured routines, sensory adaptations, and varying levels of adult support to access education.

The successful candidate will understand that every pupil has individual strengths, preferences, and challenges. They will be committed to helping students develop their communication, independence, social interaction, and academic skills in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

What the Role Involves

• Supporting teaching and learning across the school, working with individuals and small groups.

• Delivering planned learning activities under the direction of the class teacher and in line with school procedures.

• Supporting pupils with autism, SLD, complex needs, and additional learning difficulties to access a personalised curriculum.

• Adapting activities and resources to meet different learning abilities, communication styles, and sensory needs.

• Using visual supports, structured routines, practical resources, and alternative communication approaches where appropriate.

• Helping students develop early literacy and numeracy, functional life skills, communication, and independence.

• Supporting pupils who may experience distress, anxiety, sensory overload, or difficulties with transitions.

• Maintaining a calm, consistent, and nurturing approach when students need additional support.

• Working collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, therapists, and other professionals to support individual learning plans and progress.

• Taking on appropriate HLTA responsibilities, including leading learning activities or covering classes where authorised, competent, and required by the school.

Who Should Apply?

This role would suit someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and understands the importance of personalised education.

You may be:

• An experienced HLTA looking to work in a specialist autism or complex needs setting.

• A Senior Teaching Assistant or experienced SEND Teaching Assistant ready to take the next step.

• Someone with experience supporting pupils with autism, SLD, complex needs, or significant learning difficulties.

• An experienced practitioner confident in supporting learning activities, adapting resources, and promoting pupil independence.

• Someone who understands that communication, sensory needs, and emotional regulation can have a significant impact on a pupil’s ability to access learning.

• A patient, resilient, and nurturing individual who can build trusting relationships with pupils who may need time and consistency to feel comfortable.

• A confident team player who can work closely with teachers, families, and other professionals.

Previous experience in a specialist SEND school would be advantageous. Experience supporting autistic pupils and students with complex learning needs is particularly valuable.

An HLTA qualification or equivalent experience will be desirable, alongside the ability to demonstrate the skills and experience required to undertake the responsibilities of the role.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is committed to inclusive education and understands that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, communicate, develop, and achieve their potential.

About Parker Smith Inclusion

PS Inclusion recruits exclusively for SEND roles, with placements focused on long-term and permanent opportunities.

Before introducing candidates to a school, the team takes the time to understand their experience, strengths, and the type of setting in which they would thrive. The aim is to connect educators with opportunities that suit their skills and allow them to make a meaningful difference.

With more than 1,500 educators placed and over 400 five-star Google reviews, the team is recognised for its efficiency and supportive approach throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced HLTA or Senior Teaching Assistant looking for an opportunity to make a genuine difference in a specialist autism and complex needs school, we would love to hear from you.

With an ASAP start, flexible working options, and the opportunity to support pupils with a diverse range of needs, this could be your next step in SEND education.

Apply today to find out more and arrange an interview!

Reach out to Jamie at Jamie@psinclusion.co.uk.