Senior Specialist HLTA

Salary: £37,563 - £42,123 per annum (Pro Rata)

Hours: 32.5 hours per week, Term Time Only

Contract: Fixed Term for 2 Years

Location: Countywide across Lancashire

Closing Date: 10 December 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 11 January 2027

International Sponsorship: This role is not open to international sponsorship.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Senior Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our Specialist Teaching Service.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine leadership, collaboration and specialist SEND support within a rewarding role that directly impacts the lives of children, young people and their families. You will lead and support a team of Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistants, helping to ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time through effective referral management, early identification, inclusive practice and targeted intervention.

Working across Lancashire, you will play a key role in improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Specialist Teaching Service is a countywide peripatetic service supporting Lancashire families, schools, settings and professionals to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.

Our team includes highly skilled Specialist Teachers, Specialist Higher Level Teaching Assistants, Deaf Role Models and Sensory Technicians. We work closely with parents, carers and partner agencies to support children and young people from birth through to further education, delivering support in homes, early years settings, schools and colleges.

As a Senior Specialist HLTA, you will:

• Lead, supervise and support a team of HLTAs delivering specialist SEND and Portage support across Lancashire.
• Manage referrals and oversee caseloads to ensure timely and effective support for children and families.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to parents, carers, childminders, schools, settings and partner agencies.
• Contribute to the early identification, assessment and intervention of children and young people with SEND.
• Work collaboratively with health professionals, Child Development Centres and multi-agency partners.
• Lead team meetings and contribute to service development, quality improvement and impact evaluation.
• Support settings and schools to strengthen inclusive practice through targeted advice, planning and capacity building.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced professional who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience working with children and young people with SEND.
• Experience delivering targeted interventions and specialist support.
• The ability to inspire, lead and support colleagues to deliver high-quality services.
• Strong assessment, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with families and professionals.
• An understanding of SEND legislation, inclusive practice and early years provision.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently across a large geographical area.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people and promoting inclusion.

• The opportunity to join a friendly and dedicated specialist team.
• Ongoing support from experienced colleagues.
• A varied and rewarding role making a real difference to children and families.
• Access to professional development opportunities aligned to service priorities.
• A comprehensive benefits package through Lancashire County Council.
• Flexible working within a supportive service environment.

Please note that the Specialist Teaching Service operates across the whole of Lancashire and the successful candidate will be expected to work countywide.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to review Lancashire's Portage Offer before applying.