Senior SEN Teaching Assistant

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - SEN School

Salary: £27,463-£29,982 per annum (actual salary, NOT pro-rata)

Location: Bristol area

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm

Contract: Full-time | Term-time only

Start Date: November 2026

Looking for a rewarding SEN role with fantastic benefits and term-time-only hours?

Simply Education is recruiting an enthusiastic and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a brand-new specialist school supporting children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a new school from the very beginning, with an excellent salary, shorter working days, fully funded training and the chance to make a genuine difference.

And the best part? The advertised salary is your actual annual salary, not a pro-rata figure!

What makes this opportunity different?

This isn't your typical classroom-based HLTA role.

You'll have the opportunity to deliver creative, engaging learning experiences both indoors and outdoors, using purpose-built facilities including:

Dedicated outdoor learning spaces and secure playing fields
A multi-use games area (MUGA)
Specialist Art, Design Technology and Science classrooms
A practical teaching kitchen for developing life skills
Indoor and outdoor sensory and quiet spacesYou'll be joining a supportive specialist setting where every pupil is encouraged to develop their confidence, independence and love of learning.

What you'll be doing

Leading lessons and providing classroom cover when required
Delivering engaging learning activities to individuals, small groups and whole classes
Supporting pupils with ASD, SEMH and additional learning needs
Using outdoor and practical activities to make learning more engaging
Supporting positive behaviour, emotional regulation and pupil wellbeing
Working closely with teachers and other professionals to support pupil progress
Helping create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environmentWhat we're looking for

HLTA Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification
GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above
Experience supporting children or young people with SEN, ASD or SEMH
Confidence leading learning activities and managing classroom behaviour
A patient, positive and creative approach to supporting young people
An interest in outdoor education and practical learningExperience in a specialist SEN school or outdoor education setting would be advantageous but isn't essential.

Fantastic employee benefits

Alongside your salary and term-time-only working pattern, you'll receive access to:

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
UK Healthcare
£1,000 refer-a-friend scheme
Life assurance
High street discounts through Perkbox
Cycle to Work scheme
Car scheme
Fully funded training and qualificationsReady for something different?

If you're an experienced HLTA looking for a rewarding opportunity with excellent benefits, a supportive environment and the chance to help shape a brand-new specialist school, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV or contact Ioan at Simply Education for an informal, confidential chat.

Call: (phone number removed)

WhatsApp: (phone number removed)

Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed