Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Permanent OpportunityLocation: BarnsleyStart Date: ASAPContract Type: Full Time, PermanentSalary: £22,500 - £29,000, dependent on experience and qualifications (plus SEN allowance)Recruitment Partner: Reed Education – working on behalf of a specialist school in BarnsleyAre you a dedicated HLTA with experience in special education? Are you passionate about making a real impact on the lives of young people with complex additional needs?Reed Education is proud to be supporting a highly regarded specialist setting in Barnsley, rated Good by Ofsted, in the recruitment of a permanent HLTA, available to start as soon as possible. This is a rare opportunity to join a nurturing, well-resourced school where every member of staff plays a vital role in creating meaningful outcomes for pupils with significant barriers to learning.About the SchoolOur client is a specialist school, providing education for pupils aged 3 to 11 with a range of complex SEND, including:
• Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Sensory processing difficulties
• Developmental delays and cognition & learning needsThe Role
• Supporting teachers in delivering personalised, structured learning plans
• Leading small group or 1:1 interventions tailored to pupils’ EHCP targets
• Delivering pre-planned lessons in the teacher’s absence across primary age groups
• Helping pupils to regulate their emotions using the school’s therapeutic and trauma-informed strategies
• Using communication systems such as PECs, visuals, or Makaton to support pupil engagement
• Assisting with daily routines including personal care where required
• Recording and reporting on pupil progress in collaboration with the class teacher and SENCO
• Creating a calm, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that enables every learner to flourishAbout YouWe’re looking for someone who is:
• A qualified HLTA (or has equivalent experience and is willing to undertake training)
• Experienced in a specialist or alternative provision setting (mainstream SEN experience also welcome)
• Confident working with pupils with significant needs, including those with challenging behaviour
• Resilient, reflective, and calm under pressure
• A strong communicator who can work effectively with colleagues, families, and external agencies
• Passionate about inclusive practice and genuinely committed to the wellbeing of vulnerable learnersWhat’s on Offer?
• A permanent, full-time role in a high-quality specialist provision
• Supportive SLT and a highly skilled, caring staff team
• Ongoing CPD and professional development, including opportunities to specialise further in areas such as Autism, SEMH, or communication support
• A collaborative culture focused on staff wellbeing, work-life balance, and professional growth
• Access to a wider network of trust-led training and resources
• The chance to truly transform the lives of children who need you mostHow to ApplyThis role is being recruited by Reed Education on behalf of the school. To apply or find out more, click Apply Now or contact our team directly for a confidential conversation.