Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Location: Tokers Green, ReadingSalary: £15.37 to £ 16.78ph (actual annual salary = £27,463 to £29,982 per year) Dependant on experience and qualifications           Contract: Permanent  Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only

About Aurora Rowan School

Opened in November 2024 in Tokers Green, Reading, Aurora Rowan School supports children aged 5–16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), moderate to severe learning needs, and associated challenges. As part of the Aurora Group, we are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is valued and supported.

We're looking for team members who:

• Value and listen to children
• Promote positivity and mutual respect
• Communicate calmly and supportively
• Work closely with families and the wider community
• Understand the importance of love, security, creativity, and involvement in a child's development

Opportunity 

We are currently looking to recruit an experienced HLTA to join our expanding team. You will support the Class teacher with all elements of the day to day running of the class and to teach whole classes, groups and individual lessons in consultation with the Class Teacher on a regular basis across a range of classes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new school that will grow with you. It is an opportunity for you to help shape the provision and develop the school to be the best that it can be. 

All of our education is through play based learning that will always be guided by and built around each individual and their strengths, challenges, and interests, combining elements of different approaches and frameworks as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

To support and deputise the teacher in their absence in all areas including:

• Pupil Welfare and Safeguarding
• Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Pupils Attainment and Progress              
• Monitoring and Recording
• Supporting TA's and prompting career development

Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of the school when required, please see the link below for our full job description:

Job Description – Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Qualifications & Experience

• The Higher Level Teaching Assistant Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification or demonstrate equivalent skill level.
• GCSE Maths and English Language qualification minimum Grade 4 or equivalent is essential.
• Understanding of the Safeguarding principles and Child Protection procedures
• Experience working within education
• Experience of working within a multi-cultural, inclusive setting
• Working knowledge of supporting pupils with ASD and those with complex communication and behavioural needs.
• Experience of working in an ASD/ SLD environment would be desirable.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to coach and mentor LSAs, Teaching Assistants etc.
• Ability to adapt teaching and communication skills, both written and verbal according to audience.
• Effective skills in planning, preparation, recording and reviewing students' progress.
• Ability to identify and de-escalate emotional and behavioural issues.
• Good IT skills.

How to apply:

For candidates that haven't worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.

Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.