HLTA Lead Careers - Manor Abbey School

Overview

Manor Abbey School is a provision for Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils with an EHCP for Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties. The new school opened in Abbey Hulton, Stoke on Trent, in September 2024. There was an initial intake of 30 pupils in year 7 and 8; the school will progressively fill over 4 years until it reaches its capacity of 70 places.

We are looking for an inspiring and imaginative HLTA to lead on Forest School and Outdoor Education, who is able to adapt their style of learning to ensure that learning is fun, practical and creative. The successful candidate would need to be able to demonstrate they can meet the needs of secondary aged children who have experienced difficulty in accessing mainstream education.

HLTA Lead for Forest School and Outdoor Education

• High expectations of academic achievement
• A successful track record of motivating young people
• Well planned, sequenced, innovative and engaging lessons
• Clear direction and support for teaching assistants
• An awareness of trauma informed practices and positive mental health promotion
• A clear understanding of, and ability to, manage behaviour that challenges
• Subject leadership of a subject as directed by SLT

Please note that all prospective candidates must visit the school prior to applying. This visit is crucial for understanding the ethos and values of schools within the Manor Hall Academy Trust, especially regarding SEMH provision. It is a chance to meet the Interim Headteacher.

Guided tours are available either individually or as part of a group before 30 June 2026. To arrange a visit, contact the School Office at  If visiting is difficult, a phone call with the Interim Headteacher can be arranged.

• A significant SEN allowance
• Bespoke, high-quality training to support knowledge and understanding of specialist behaviour management interventions
• Small class sizes and high staffing ratios, in and out of the classroom
• A state of the art and well resourced school
• Networking opportunities through the Manor Hall Academy Trust and local SEMH school groups
• Support for creative and flexible thinking to enhance curriculum delivery
• Minibus and lifeguard training (if eligible), knowledgeable and highly supportive staff team

• Access to comprehensive and flexible Employee Assistance Programmes including tech schemes, cycle to work schemes, online gym classes, health and wellbeing support, financial advice services, Thinkwell fast track counselling service, physiotherapy, and retail discounts

Manor Hall Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be appointed subject to Enhanced DBS and pre-employment checks, including right to work, confirmation of appropriate qualifications and professional references. The Trust may conduct an online search as part of due diligence for shortlisted candidates.

Please follow the link to access the Manor Hall Academy Trust Policies on Safeguarding, Online Searches and Data Protection.