DescriptionEmployerLocation
HIGHER LEVEL TEACHING ASSISTANT
Location: Tokers Green, Reading
Salary: £15.37 to £ 16.78ph (actual annual salary = £27,463 to £29,982 per year) Dependant on experience and qualifications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, term time only
Start date: As soon as possible
Aurora Rowan School
Part of the Aurora Group, Aurora Rowan School in Tokers Green, Reading, Berkshire opened in November 2024, supporting young people aged 6 -16 with a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder, moderate to Severe Learning needs and associated difficulties, who require an individualised, specialist approach.
We are a passionate team that put the opportunity to provide the best possible outcomes for our children and young people in their preparation for adult life at the centre of all we do and our decision making. At Aurora Rowan School it is our aim to raise standards by promoting a school ethos which is underpinned by core values. These values support the development of the whole child as an effective and engaged learner within a calm, caring, happy and purposeful atmosphere The support we will provide enables each of our students to engage and progress at their own level within a learning environment designed to help them achieve their full potential as they reach adulthood.
We are looking for team members who feel they can demonstrate our values.
Staff at Aurora Rowan:
1. Value all the children.
2. Display great patience and listen carefully to children.
3. Focus on and emphasise the positive.
4. Face reality and help pupils to come to terms with difficult issues as they arise
5. Only disapprove of poor behaviour, never the child.
6. Try to make time for one another.
7. Are mutually supportive.
8. Speak quietly and avoid shouting.
9. Are valued by the governors and the community.
10. Have a good sense of humour.
11. Communicate with parents to ensure that they appreciate the school’s values and to ensure that there is a common understanding.
In order for the school’s purpose to be effective and for the values to be meaningful to the pupils, the staff understand that the basic needs of children are:
12. To feel secure and know clearly what is expected of them.
13. To be valued.
14. To have a balance of activities – active/passive; quiet/talking; communicating/reflective; taught skills/exploratory work.
15. To have help to develop relationships.
16. To develop self-awareness and a knowledge of the world outside of themselves.
17. To have creative experiences, including external exploration and internal reflection.
18. To be fully involved in the process of education.
Opportunity
We are currently looking to recruit a Higher Level teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our expanding team and work alongside the Education Team to aid the smooth running of the school.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a new venture in a school that will grow with you. You will be a part of a Brand-New School set up. It is an opportunity for you to help shape the provision and develop the school to be the best that it can be.
Job Summary
The purpose of the Higher Level Teaching Assistant is to support the Class teacher with all elements of the day to day running of the class and to teach whole classes, groups and individual lessons in consultation with the Class Teacher on a regular basis across a range of classes.
To support and deputise the teacher in their absence in all areas including:
19. Pupil Welfare and Safeguarding
20. Supporting Teaching and Learning
21. Pupils Attainment and Progress
22. Monitoring and Recording
23. Supporting TA’s and prompting career development
Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Aurora Rowan School when required, Please see the link below for our full job description:.
Skills and Qualifications
Qualifications
24. The Higher Level Teaching Assistant Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification or demonstrate equivalent skill level.
25. GCSE pass above C (or 4 in the new GCSE system) in English and Maths
Knowledge and Experience
26. Relevant knowledge and experience of pupils with SEN, SLD/ASD
27. Understanding of the Safeguarding principles and Child Protection procedures
28. Experience of managing a range of approaches to behaviour, including managing behaviours that challenge.
29. Experience working within education
30. Experience of working within a multi-cultural, inclusive setting
Skills and Behaviours
31. Commitment to the role, the desire to put the child first and treat them as an individual
32. Be positive and creative in meeting pupils’ needs
33. Work on your own as well as part of a team
34. Work collaboratively with other staff and professionals with good interpersonal skills
35. Good numeracy and literacy skills
36. Competent ICT skills
37. Be flexible, adaptable and solution focused.
38. Able to work within the parameters of the physical demands of the job role.
Benefits and Additional Information
What’s on Offer at Aurora?
We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:
Grow with Us – Training & Development
Learning never stops at Aurora! We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.
Save Money on Everyday Essentials
With the rising cost of living, our Perkbox app helps you stretch your money further:
39. Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more
40. Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme
Access Wagestream – a financial wellbeing app that helps you track earnings, save, get expert money advice, and even access part of your pay early when needed
Competitive Pay & Reward
We regularly benchmark our pay and benefits to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll enjoy:
41. Enhanced Annual Leave
42. Company Sick Pay
43. Enhanced Pension
44. Life Assurance
24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household
Need a doctor? No problem. Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night. This service covers everyone in your household.
UK Health Cash Plan
Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills. You and your children are included in the scheme, and you can upgrade to add your partner too!
Employee Assistance Programme
Your wellbeing matters. Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including:
45. Freephone counselling (available 24/7)
46. Online tools and resources
Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000!
Know someone who’d be a great fit? Refer them and get rewarded!
(*Terms apply)
How to Apply:
For candidates that haven’t worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.
Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.
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 taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search
Safeguarding Statement
Aurora Rowan 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.