Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Mentor
SGS Pegasus School, Bristol, South Gloucestershire, BS32 4AJ7 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 26
Closing date
13 July 2026 at 9am
Date listed
6 July 2026
Job details
Job role
- HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
- Learning support or cover supervisor
- Pastoral, health and welfare
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per week, 8:30am - 16:30pm, Monday – Thursday, Friday 8:30am-16:00pm. Permanent, Term Time only.
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £29,064 - £31,021 per annum. Actual salary for term-time only working is £25,291 – £26,994 per annum
What skills and experience we're looking for
The ideal candidate will have:
- Good general education (GCSEs or equivalent).
- Experience working with children or young people in an education, youth work or care setting.
- Awareness of the needs of autistic children and young people, with an understanding of safeguarding and inclusion.
- Ability to build positive relationships and communicate effectively with children and young people.
- Patient, empathetic and adaptable, with strong organisational skills.
- Commitment to promoting wellbeing, independence and inclusion.
- Positive, flexible approach with willingness to undertake relevant training.
Desirable criteria
- Relevant qualification in mentoring, youth work, education, psychology, counselling or a related field.
- Experience supporting autistic children or young people with additional needs.
- Experience delivering one-to-one or small group interventions.
- Knowledge of emotional regulation, social skills and positive behaviour support strategies.
- Ability to engage students through creative or practical activities such as art, sport, cooking or outdoor learning.
What the school offers its staff
We offer:
- A genuinely inclusive and specialist setting
- Comprehensive induction and support
- Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development
- The chance to work alongside experienced SEND professionals
- A warm and collaborative team culture
- Meaningful work where you can see the impact you make every day
- Our students are curious, resilient and full of potential. We are proud to create an environment where individuality is celebrated and every achievement matters.
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to health and wellbeing support services
Further information about the job
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Semi Formal Pathway
Full time equivalent salary: £29,064 - £31,021 per annum. Actual salary for term-time only working is £25,291 – £26,994 per annum (pay award pending), plus generous pension and sick pay scheme
37 hours per week, 8:30am - 16:30pm Monday – Thursday, Friday 8:30am-16:00pm. Permanent, Term Time only.
Be part of a team that helps every young person feel safe, valued and able to thrive.
SGS Pegasus School is an innovative specialist school for children and young people with autism aged 4 - 19. We understand that every child is unique. Through personalised support and specialist teaching, we help young people build confidence, independence and a love of learning.
We are looking for a compassionate, creative and adaptable Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our specialist Semi Formal pathway team.
This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people with autism and associated needs in a highly personalised learning environment, where relationships, communication, life skills and emotional wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.
About the role
As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant your role will involve you assisting with general support throughout the school. You will be taking on 1:1 sessions and small groups, as well as supporting whole classes, also participating in educational trips off site. You may be asked to lead and/or plan with notice for a class in the teacher’s absence. In general, you will be supporting SEN pupils through the academic, social and emotional elements of school life. You will be expected to promote and secure high standards of teaching and learning, whilst supporting pupil achievement and progression. You will need to actively contribute to SGS Pegasus School vision, aims and objectives.
This is a role which involves working very closely with Special Educational Needs students, individually and in groups, to enable them to take the fullest advantage of all that takes place at Pegasus School. You will take a proactive role in ensuring that students have full access to the curriculum, working closely with teachers and other supporting professionals to identify and meet student needs. You will be somebody who is able to build positive relationships with young people so that alongside their academic development, they are well-prepared for life beyond Pegasus School. You will help our students to work well as part of a team, with mutual respect; to understand their own rights and work for the rights of others, and to build the skills necessary for independent study. You should be prepared and have some knowledge of working with children from all age ranges from 4-19. All HLTAs at Pegasus may be asked to support with intimate care.
This particular role is within our Grow pathway, which is planned around a semi-formal curriculum focusing on active learning. The class is a KS4 group regarding age, but are generally working at a lower KS2 level. We are looking for an HLTA who can work 5 days a week.
What you’ll be doing
- Supporting students throughout the school day in class, small groups and 1:1 sessions
- Helping pupils engage with learning through personalised and creative approaches
- Supporting communication, emotional regulation and social development
- Building strong, trusting relationships with young people
- Leading or supporting whole-class learning when required
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals
- Supporting educational visits and off-site learning opportunities
- Encouraging independence, confidence and life skills
- Promoting positive behaviour through relational approaches
- Supporting pupils with intimate care where required
- Helping to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who is patient, resilient and passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND.
You will ideally have:
- GCSEs or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
- Experience supporting autistic children and young people, including those who may be vulnerable or at risk.
- Understanding of social inclusion, personalised learning and relational behaviour approaches.
- Ability to lead a class and support positive learning experiences with the child at the centre.
- Strong communication, organisation and time management skills.
- A creative, resourceful and reflective approach, with strong problem-solving skills.
- A patient, empathetic and approachable manner.
- Motivation, reliability and ambition for both your own development and student outcomes.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Desirable criteria
- Level 3 qualification and/or SEND qualification.
- Experience working with KS4 students working below age-related expectations.
- Experience of partnership working and building positive community links.
- Experience supporting students with intimate care.
Why join SGS Pegasus?
At Pegasus, you’ll become part of a passionate and supportive team dedicated to helping young people flourish both in school and beyond.
We offer:
- A genuinely inclusive and specialist setting
- Comprehensive induction and support
- Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development
- The chance to work alongside experienced SEND professionals
- A warm and collaborative team culture
- Meaningful work where you can see the impact you make every day
- Our students are curious, resilient and full of potential. We are proud to create an environment where individuality is celebrated and every achievement matters.
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Access to health and wellbeing support services
Our students are at the heart of everything we do. They are curious, resilient and full of potential, and we are proud to provide a learning environment where individuality is celebrated and diversity is valued.
To apply, please complete our application form
Closing date: 13th July 2026
Interview date: 17th July 2026
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About SGS Pegasus School
- School type
- Free School, ages 4 to 18
- School size
- 134 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- SGS Pegasus School website
- Email address
- SGSATHRServiceDesk@sgsat.org.uk
Arranging a visit to SGS Pegasus School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email SGSATHRServiceDesk@sgsat.org.uk.
School location
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