About us Woodlands School is a broad-spectrum special school catering for pupils aged 4 -19 years. We have a warm, mutually supportive and caring ethos with enthusiastic and skilled staff who are highly aspirational and committed to pupil welfare, progress and life-chances. Our recent Ofsted report commented that 'Pupils are happy to come into school. They are excited about the day ahead.’ ‘Staff know their pupils well and pupils’ individual needs are well understood and catered for.’ Our school is part of Unity MAT, which is a small, ambitious trust comprising of ourselves and two other similar special schools. Our collaborative working means that we have shared understanding of the challenges and issues that our schools face and can work together to find solutions. The schools are supported by a strong Core Team who provide dedicated support services across the Trust. What we need We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and ambitious school. Experience of working with pupils with a range of complex needs is desirable and a passion for enabling pupils with SEND to achieve their full potential is essential. The role may also involve liaison with external stakeholders and coordination of interventions and enrichment activities in line with school priorities The core purpose of your role will be: • To work with and support teachers in providing a high-quality educational experience for all pupils • To cover and lead class teaching as and when appropriate • To support pupils’ learning in a range of classroom settings, including working with individuals, small groups and whole classes (where the teacher is not present) • To support teachers with monitoring, assessing and evaluating pupil’s attainment and progress • Establish positive relationship with pupils in order to support them and respond to their individual needs • Maintain positive ethos and core values of the school • Contribute to constructive team building amongst teaching staff, non-teaching staff, parents and carers. What we offer • the opportunity to make a difference • enthusiastic, friendly and engaged pupils who are keen to learn • a supportive community of families and external partners • a friendly and inclusive working environment • talented, dedicated and hardworking colleagues and SLT team • comprehensive induction and probation support Reward & Benefits We offer: • A competitive salary • Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme & significant employer contribution • Excellent training and development opportunities • Enhanced employee assistance programme (including GP helpline, financial & legal advice line and carer support for employee and household members) • Well-being app & staff discounts • Occupational Health Service • Family friendly and Employee Health & Well-being policies Key Dates Closing Date: Monday 5th January 2026 9:00am Shortlisting: Shortly following closing date Interview Date: TBC For an informal chat or further information, please contact the school reception on 01675 463590. Further information Job descriptions and person specifications are available on the school website, please visit https://www.woodlands.unitymat.co.uk/about-us/vacancies Applications Official application forms must be completed. CVs will not be accepted. Please see Guidance for Applicants for further details. Completed application forms must be sent by email to joinus@unitymat.co.uk before the closing date detailed above. We reserve the right to close the recruitment early if a large volume of suitable applications are received. Safer Recruitment Unity MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow robust safer recruitment processes, including online searches, during all recruitment. Please see application pack for further details This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is eligible for an enhanced DBS check including a Children's Barring List Check. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.