Sen - hlta

Job Description

About the Role

We are actively recruiting for an experienced and passionate SEMH HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) specialising in pastoral care, behaviour support, and emotional wellbeing. This rewarding role involves working with pupils who present with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour, and additional Special Educational Needs (SEND) such as Autism (ASD), ADHD, attachment difficulties, and trauma-related needs.

As a key member of the pastoral team, you will play a vital role in supporting vulnerable learners to regulate their emotions, engage in education, and build positive relationships in a structured and nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide targeted pastoral support to students with SEMH, behavioural needs, and emotional difficulties
• Deliver structured interventions and mentoring sessions focused on wellbeing, resilience, and emotional regulation
• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, removing barriers to learning and promoting engagement
• Implement and follow behaviour management strategies, positive behaviour support plans, and EHCP targets
• Lead classroom activities and cover lessons as an HLTA, ensuring continuity of learning
• Use de-escalation techniques, restorative practice, and trauma-informed approaches
• Monitor and report on student progress, behaviour, and wellbeing outcomes
• Work collaboratively with SENCOs, teachers, pastoral leads, safeguarding teams, and external professionals
• Build strong relationships with parents/carers to support consistency between school and home
• Contribute to a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment

Requirements & Experience

• HLTA qualification or extensive experience at HLTA level
• Strong background in SEMH, SEND, or behaviour support roles (e.g. PRU, Alternative Provision, SEN School, mainstream inclusion)
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, trauma, ASD, ADHD, or mental health needs
• Knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and behaviour policies
• Skilled in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and emotional regulation strategies
• Confident leading lessons and working independently in a classroom setting
• A resilient, calm, and proactive attitude with the ability to build trust
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills