Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Lotus Academy, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S5 7WE

31 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  30 April 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  30 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Skilled Worker visas can be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Working pattern: Part time: 32.5 hours per week
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £33,143 - £37,280
• Actual salary: £25,529 - £28,715

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking to appoint a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant to join our very friendly, hardworking school team. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, flexible and able to use their own initiative whilst working with some of our most vulnerable pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with pupils who need additional support with their Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. As an SEMH HLTA, you will play a vital role in helping students navigate their learning journey and build confidence in a supportive environment.

The successful candidate will be a good communicator who is approachable, friendly and willing to work with individuals, small groups and whole classes of children.

What the school offers its staff

Lotus Academy, located in north Sheffield, is a specialist state‑funded school for pupils aged 6–16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan. The school opened in September 2024 and is part of the Nexus Multi Academy Trust, providing high‑quality, inclusive education for up to 100 pupils.

At Lotus Academy, our vision is to create a safe, relational, and aspirational environment where every pupil is understood, valued, and equipped to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that with the right relationships, structure, and emotional safety, every child can grow, learn, and succeed.

Safety – Emotional and physical safety underpin every decision we make.

Relationships First – Positive, consistent, trusting relationships are at the heart of our practice.

Belonging – We ensure every pupil feels seen, heard, and valued within our community.

Resilience & Growth – We nurture self‑regulation, confidence, and independence through trauma‑informed approaches.

Ambition – We maintain high aspirations for every learner, recognising their strengths and celebrating progress in all forms.

As a specialist SEMH provision, we operate through a trauma‑informed, relational approach embedded across classrooms, routines, and leadership behaviours. Small class sizes, personalised learning pathways, and a strong emphasis on emotional regulation ensure pupils receive the support they need to thrive. Our staff team works collaboratively with families, external professionals, and trust partners to provide a consistent, nurturing, and forward‑thinking learning environment.

Joining Lotus Academy means becoming part of a compassionate, committed, and innovative team that genuinely changes lives. Staff are empowered, supported, and valued, working within a culture that prioritises wellbeing, teamwork, and professional growth. If you are passionate about making a difference and believe in the power of relationships, Lotus Academy is an inspiring place to build your career and transform the futures of young people.

What you can expect from us

Wellbeing – Pay – Careers and Training – Annual Leave and Flexibility

• Access to free wellbeing support resources including counselling, medical and legal advice and an option to top up to private healthcare via corporate membership of a healthcare plan.
• Access to discount schemes for savings with high street retailers, restaurants, activities and lifestyle services
• Auto enrolment into a leading pension scheme with Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to extensive and tailored career pathways, CPD programmes, training and coaching giving you the opportunity to grow and develop your career
• An Induction package to help you settle in and approach your role with confidence and enthusiasm
• The ability to contribute to and share quality practice with other professional TAs, Teachers and the wider team
• Internal opportunities across the Trust academies and to work with specialised leaders in education on nationally recognised projects
• Flexible working policies
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Annual leave increases based on length of service plus bank holidays for support staff

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Skilled Worker visas can be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Job Profile HLTA (1).pdf - 142 KB (opens in new tab)

Lotus Job Advert HLTA (1) (1).pdf - 117 KB (opens in new tab)

About Lotus Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 6 to 16
• School size: 90 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 6 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Email address: otyas@nexusmat.org
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/holgate-meadows-school-sheffield

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