special needs teaching assistant jobs

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Connect Centre (Maternity Cover)
24 hours per week | Term Time Only | Fixed Term from 1 September 2026 to 2 July 2027 (or earlier depending on the return of the postholder)

Kingsley School, North Devon

Be part of something genuinely different.

Kingsley School is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, caring and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our specialist Connect Centre provision on a fixed-term maternity cover basis.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of the most progressive and inclusive schools in the South West. Kingsley’s bespoke Connect Centre provides specialist support for students with additional needs, helping young people to develop independence, confidence, life skills and successful pathways into adulthood.

Working closely with the Specialist Centres’ Manager, SENDCO and teaching staff, you will play a central role in planning and delivering targeted learning and intervention programmes for individual students and small groups.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building strong relationships, thinking creatively and making a visible difference every day.

The Role

You will:

• Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities and interventions for individual students and small groups.
• Support students’ academic, social and emotional development.
• Deliver programmes linked to life skills, independence, study skills, PSHE and preparation for adulthood.
• Organise and support community-based learning opportunities, including volunteering and work-related experiences.
• Promote inclusive education and enable students to achieve ambitious outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, external professionals and families.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and interventions.
• Support transition planning into further education, employment and next steps.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEND (special educational needs and/or EAL experience welcomed).
• Holds HLTA status (desirable but not essential).
• Has excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Is calm, adaptable and able to work independently.
• Is passionate about helping young people develop resilience, independence and confidence.
• Understands safeguarding and inclusive educational practice.
• Enjoys working as part of a collaborative and supportive team.

Why Kingsley?

Kingsley School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2–19, set in beautiful North Devon. We are ambitious for every child and proud of our nurturing, inclusive culture.

Our Connect Centre forms an important part of that vision, offering specialist provision that enables students to thrive academically, socially and personally.

Terms

• Fixed-term maternity cover
• Start date: 1 September 2026
• End date: 2 July 2027 (or earlier depending upon the return of the substantive postholder)
• Hours: 24 hours per week, term time only (including INSET days)
• Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience

Kingsley School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks including enhanced DBS clearance.

To apply, please visit the vacancies section of the school website and submit a Support Staff Application Form.

The advert will remain open until the position is filled.

Pay: £14.78-£15.07 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Sick pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bideford EX39 3LY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person