DescriptionEmployerLocation
HLTA
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract Type: Permanent, full-time, term time only
Hours: 40 hours per week
Actual annual salary: £26,390 - £28,821 dependent on experience
Hourly rate: £14.77 - £16.13 per hour
Start Date: January 2026
Aurora Vincent House School
As part of our growth strategy, we are really pleased to have opened a brand new SEND Secondary School in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex for autistic young people aged 11-16. Most of our students are coming to us from mainstream education to have access to an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a focus on meeting their sensory needs and support for their emotional wellbeing.
The Role
We are looking for an HLTA who will be able to support in the development and growth of our school. This is a flexible role which may include running SEN interventions, covering classes, support on trips and visits and running clubs or activities. We are looking for someone who is confident in working with young people to support their self-regulation, learning and confidence during their time with us, and has the skill and flexibility to meet a variety of student needs.
We are welcoming applicants with a range of experience in secondary education and experience of autism and/or mental health needs, and interests or expertise in academic or vocational areas as we expand our education offer. Our staff work in a trauma-informed and empathic approach, focussing on the wellbeing and self-regulation of students, as well as encouraging them to develop and thrive academically.
This is an excellent career opportunity for someone who wishes to have significant training opportunities and to collaborate closely with in-house therapists and clinicians. As with all roles at Vincent House, it requires a focus on establishing strong relationships with students - prioritising their wellbeing above all else.
Our students will have access to an enrichment curriculum that will include a range of outdoor activities, sports including swimming, visits, and community projects. We welcome applicants who are also enthusiastic to support these activities as well as class-based learning.
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Aurora Vincent House School.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
1. Effective experience working with young people especially those with SEND OR clear potential to learn quickly
2. They have successfully supported neurodivergent students in a teaching role
3. Resourcefulness, resilience and a growth mindset
Candidates must:
4. have a good level of written and verbal English and general education as well as IT skills to support our students’ learning plus GCSE pass C or above (or 4 in new GCSE system) in English and Maths.
5. have the empathy and resilience to work with young people some of whom may experience high anxiety and may exhibit self-harming behaviours, ARFID and disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
6. be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner. That requires continuous engagement in learning and a genuine belief in a neuro-affirmative approach.
We offer:
7. Small classes with the opportunity to establish strong relationships with all students.
8. The time, support and training for you to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of all students.
9. A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families within the community.
10. It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.
What’s on offer!
You will also benefit from a generous package that includes:
11. Life assurance
12. Enhanced Pension
13. Perkbox - offering high street discounts
14. Employee assistance programme
15. Car lease scheme and bike to work scheme
16. Fully funded training and qualifications
17. Free membership to our Health cash back plan
How to Apply:
Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details.
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be paused or taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled or we receive a sufficient number of applications.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
Safeguarding Statement
Aurora Vincent House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to understand and share this commitment. We have a shared commitment to develop a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated. We welcome all applications, including those from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.