Education ⫽ Teaching Assistant

We are looking for an enthusiastic, experienced and passionate Communication HLTA to take a lead role in supporting and developing communication provision across the school. The successful candidate will promote and embed effective communication strategies across the school, enabling all pupils to access learning, develop their confidence and build functional communication skills. The Communication HLTA will work collaboratively with teaching and support staff, modelling effective communication approaches and helping to ensure strategies are consistently embedded throughout the school.

The post holder will be line managed by the SENCO and will play an important role in supporting the continued development of our communication provision.

• Has experience of supporting children and young people with communication and additional needs.
• Has a strong understanding of effective communication strategies and approaches.
• Can confidently work alongside colleagues, providing guidance and modelling best practice.
• Is passionate about helping pupils develop their communication, independence and confidence.
• Is organised, proactive and able to work effectively as part of a wider team.
  St Andrew's is a day special school for pupils with severe learning difficulties and ASD aged 11
  -19 years. Our Special settings cater for children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs from children with profound medical needs and life limiting conditions, those with severe, moderate and sensory needs through to young people with social emotional and mental health needs that require support and understanding to help them to navigate their world.

Please note, St Andrew's Academy is a school that is based over two sites. During your employment at our school, you may be asked to work at either site, but any moves would be discussed with yourself prior. Our main site is based at St Andrew's View, Breadsall Hilltop, Derby, DE21 4EW
and most students on site are in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 with a small number of students who are aged 16-19. Our FE (Further Education) Campus is based at 66 Whitaker Road, Derby, DE23 6AR
. All students here are aged 16-19 and this site is based close to the city centre. All candidates are required to provide a supporting statement on the formal application forms which states clearly your reasons for applying, skills and experience for this position.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you're supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful. Our values-opportunity, integrity, community, and equity-guide everything we do. Our vision is "Opening doors to the world through the power of learning." We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.

We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures. If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.

Together, let's make the remarkable happen. We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary. Make a life-changing difference in one of our special schools Our special schools are inspiring, welcoming and truly life-changing places to work. Every day, our dedicated teams help children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities to discover their strengths, achieve their ambitions and live happy, fulfilling lives.

Our pupils include children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, complex…