Higher level teaching assistant

SEND Support Worker – SEMH (HLTA)

Location: Milton Keynes
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Contract: Term Time Only

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to regulate, reconnect and thrive in education? Do you have the skills and confidence to lead a specialist provision that makes a genuine difference to students' lives?

We are seeking a highly skilled, empathetic and proactive SEND Support Worker (HLTA) to join a thriving secondary school in Milton Keynes. This rewarding role will involve leading the day-to-day operation of a specialist SEND Base Reset Area, providing targeted support for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

You will create and maintain a calm, structured and nurturing environment where students can regulate emotions, reflect on challenges and successfully re-engage with learning. Using evidence-based approaches and strong relationship-building skills, you will support students in developing resilience, self-awareness and positive coping strategies.

Working collaboratively with the SENCo, pastoral team, teaching staff and external agencies, you will deliver tailored interventions, contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews, and support students' successful reintegration into mainstream lessons. You will also play an important role in promoting SEMH-informed practice across the school, helping colleagues develop their understanding and confidence in supporting students with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the daily operation of the SEND Base Reset Area, ensuring a safe, supportive and structured environment.
• Provide specialist support for students with SEMH needs through targeted interventions and individualised strategies.
• Support students to regulate emotions, develop coping skills and re-engage positively with learning.
• Work closely with the SENCo, pastoral team, teaching staff and external professionals to coordinate support plans.
• Contribute to EHCP reviews, progress monitoring and the implementation of appropriate interventions.
• Support students transitioning back into mainstream lessons following periods of intervention.
• Promote SEMH-informed approaches and share best practice with colleagues across the school.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor progress and evaluate the impact of interventions.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Experience supporting young people with SEND and/or SEMH needs within an educational setting.
• HLTA status or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of SEMH strategies, behaviour support and trauma-informed approaches.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and organisational skills.
• The ability to remain calm, resilient and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking and supportive school community where you can make a lasting impact on the lives of young people. The role offers the chance to take ownership of a specialist provision, develop your expertise and contribute to a culture that values inclusion, wellbeing and student success.

If you are a confident and compassionate practitioner who is committed to helping students overcome barriers and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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