Salary: NJC 12 - 17 £20,525 - £22,265 (Actual Salary) - £27,711 - £30,060 (FTE) well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: 32.5 hours a week, (38.4 weeks per year)

Contract: Permanent

Start date: September 2025

Join our early years team at Meadstead Primary Academy and help shape the very start of a child's learning journey. We're looking for an experienced and passionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work in our EYFS provision, supporting young learners with the energy, creativity and commitment they deserve.

About the role:In this HLTA role, you'll work closely with our EYFS teachers to help deliver an ambitious curriculum, creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment for every child. You'll lead sessions, cover lessons, and guide pupils through key developmental stages - giving them the strongest possible start.

Our HLTA's will:

• Plan and deliver small group interventions and cover whole-class sessions when required.
• Support with assessment and observations to inform planning.
• Encourage children's social and emotional development.
• Build strong relationships with families, supporting parental involvement.
• Line manage other TAs where appropriate.

Requirement for the role:

• Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualified.
• Experienced in the EYFS area.
• SEND intervention skills and awareness.
• Motivated and passionate about supporting the youngest children within our schools to ensure the very best start in education for them.

We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, as a HLTA we require a level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent). If you don't yet hold this qualification but you do have the relevant experience and hold a level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, don't worry! We'll invest in your development by enrolling you in our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you gain the behaviours, skills and experience you need to thrive in the role.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. You must already have the right to work in the UK.

About Meadstead Primary Academy:

Meadstead is a proud and ambitious school serving a diverse community in Barnsley. We're dedicated to creating an inspiring, inclusive learning environment where children thrive emotionally, socially and academically. We have a strong EYFS offer and are committed to ensuring every child is ready to flourish in Key Stage 1 and beyond.

Our team is close-knit, committed and passionate about improving lives through education. Our recent developments in the EYFS curriculum have created exciting opportunities for a skilled HLTA to make a real impact.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

The role is due to commence: September 2025

Closing date: 22nd June

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.