Higher Level Teaching Assistant

HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)

Job Role: HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)
Location: Walsall, West Midlands
Duration: Ongoing, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £120–£125 Per Day

Are you an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) looking for your next opportunity in Walsall
? Do you have experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs or within Alternative Provision (AP) settings
?

Balfor Recruitment is currently recruiting for an experienced HLTA to join a thriving all-through school in Walsall from September 2026. This is a full-time, ongoing opportunity working with both Primary and Secondary pupils
.

The successful Higher Level Teaching Assistant will play an important role in supporting pupils with a range of educational, behavioural and emotional needs. You will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to help pupils access learning, develop positive behaviours, build resilience and achieve their potential.

This role would be particularly well suited to an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant or Teaching Assistant who has previous experience working with pupils with challenging behaviour, SEMH needs or in Alternative Provision.

The school is situated within a vibrant community in Walsall and is committed to providing a supportive, consistent and inclusive education for pupils across both Primary and Secondary phases. It places a strong emphasis on positive mental health, emotional wellbeing and academic achievement
, creating an environment where pupils feel safe, respected and supported.

As an HLTA
, you will provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support, deliver pre-planned lessons and supervise whole classes when required. You will also support pupils with behaviour management, emotional regulation and social development.

The school is committed to developing a respectful, inclusive and caring ethos
, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced HLTA who is passionate about helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning.

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant
, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, resilience and the development of positive social skills.
• Assisting teachers with adapting lessons, activities and learning resources to meet individual pupil needs.
• Contributing to and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments
  .
• Supervising whole classes during short-term teacher absence.
• Delivering pre-planned lessons and learning activities in line with teacher instructions and school expectations.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and overcome barriers to learning.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Acting as a trusted key adult
  , building positive relationships with pupils and providing consistent emotional support.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, engagement and behaviour.
• Providing feedback to teachers and relevant professionals regarding pupil progress and development.
• Managing challenging behaviour using appropriate behaviour management and de-escalation techniques
  .
• Following the school’s behaviour, safeguarding and risk management policies.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, families and external professionals where appropriate.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• HLTA status or equivalent qualification/experience – Essential.
• Previous experience working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or in a similar senior education support role.
• Experience working within SEMH, Alternative Provision, PRU or specialist education settings – Essential.
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs
  .
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• A nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to supporting pupils.
• The ability to remain calm, consistent and professional when managing challenging situations.
• Strong adaptability and resilience…