SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Full-time | Swindon | Specialist SEN Provisions
We are recruiting an experienced SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work full-time across several specialist education settings in Swindon. These provisions support children and young people with complex Special Educational Needs and offer highly structured, nurturing environments designed to help pupils re-engage with learning and education.
This role is ideal for someone with a Teaching Assistant background who is ready to step up or a recognised HLTA qualification, who is confident supporting pupils across Primary, Secondary and Post-16 age ranges and is comfortable adapting to different settings while maintaining consistency and high standards of care.
The Role
As an SEN HLTA, you will work across multiple specialist provisions, providing high-quality support where it is most needed. Your responsibilities will include:
Delivering planned learning activities and interventions across a range of age groups
Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex SEN
Supporting emotional regulation, engagement and positive behaviour
Adapting learning approaches to meet individual pupil needs
Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and therapists
Acting as a calm, consistent and reliable adult in specialist environmentsWhile you will work across different settings, the schools share a similar ethos, approach and pupil profile, allowing you to build confidence and consistency in your practice.
About the Pupils
The schools support children and young people with complex and overlapping needs, including:
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
ADHD
Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
Learning difficulties and trauma-related presentationsMany pupils have experienced disrupted education and may present with challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation, anxiety or difficulties with trust and attachment. Staff focus on relationship-building, structure and regulation to help pupils feel safe and ready to learn.
Why These Schools Are So Highly Regarded
The specialist provisions you will work in are known for:
A strong relational and trauma-informed approach
Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios
Clear behaviour frameworks focused on de-escalation and regulation
Supportive leadership teams and strong staff collaboration
Flexible, personalised curricula that meet pupils where they areThese are settings where staff are genuinely supported and encouraged to develop their SEN practice.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Proven experience supporting children or young people with SEN
A TA background or a recognised HLTA qualification
Confidence working across Primary, Secondary and Post-16
Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
A calm, adaptable and resilient approach
The ability to build positive relationships quickly in new settingsWhy Join Tradewind Recruitment
Full-time work across a network of specialist SEN schools
Competitive rates of pay, paid weekly
Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
Free CPD and SEN-focused training
Flexible opportunities with consistent work
If you're an experienced SEN professional looking to step into a rewarding HLTA role within an exceptional specialist setting, we'd love to hear from you