Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Orion Academy, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 6DQ

17 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  24 April 2026 at 6pm

• Date listed

  7 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £24,442.00 - £26,463.00 Annually (Actual)

Higher Level Teaching Assistant job summary

At Orion Academy we believe our children and young people are unique individuals and as such we have designed our school curriculum with their learning and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs at the heart of all we do.

Our nurturing approach seeks to extend our work out into the community; actively supporting, listening and engaging with our families and carers to deliver the best possible environment for our children and young people, thus enabling them to learn effectively, become active and responsible citizens who are well prepared for life after school.

The role of the HLTA - Cover Support complements the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning activities for individuals/groups, or short term for whole classes and monitoring pupils and assessing, recording and reporting on pupils’ achievement, progress and development.

PURPOSE

To complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning activities for individuals/groups, or short term for whole classes and monitoring pupils and assessing, recording and reporting on pupils achievement, progress and development.

SUPPORT FOR PUPILS

Assess the needs of pupils and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support pupils’ learning

Establish productive working relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations

Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils within the classroom

Support pupils consistently whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs

Encourage pupils to interact and work cooperatively with others and engage all pupils in activities

Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance

Provide feedback to pupils in relation to progress and achievement

SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS

Provide cover for teaching and TA absences

Organise and manage appropriate learning environments and resources

Within an agreed system of supervision, plan challenging teaching and learning objectives to evaluate and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate

Monitor and evaluate pupil responses to learning activities through a range of assessment and monitoring strategies against pre-determined learning objectives

Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on pupil achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence

Record progress and achievement in lessons/activities systematically

Follow the academy’s agreed behaviour policy to anticipate and manage behaviour constructively, promoting self control and independence

The Gallery Trust Iffley Turn, Oxford OX4 4DU Tel: 01865 747606

The Gallery Trust is an exempt charity. Company registration No. 08334718 Registered in England and Wales

Supporting the role of parents in pupils’ learning and contribute to/lead meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback on pupil progress/achievement etc.

Administer and assess/mark tests and invigilate exams/tests

Production of lesson plans, worksheet, plans etc., as appropriate

SUPPORT FOR THE CURRICULUM

Deliver learning activities to pupils within agreed system of supervision, adjusting activities according to pupil responses/needs

Use ICT effectively to support learning activities and develop pupils’ competence and independence in its use

Select and prepare resources necessary to lead learning activities, taking account of pupils’ interests and language and cultural backgrounds

Advise on appropriate deployment and use of specialist aid/resources/equipment

SUPPORT FOR THE ACADEMY

Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, Safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person

Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop

Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the academy

Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support achievement and progress of pupils

Take the initiative as appropriate to develop appropriate multi-agency approaches to supporting pupils

Recognise own strengths and areas of specialist expertise and use these to lead, advise and support others

Deliver out of academy learning activities within guidelines established by the academy

Contribute to the identification and execution of appropriate out of academy learning activities which consolidate and extend work carried out in class

To carry out other duties as may be reasonably assigned by the Headteacher

If appropriate, undertake recruitment, induction, appraisal, training, mentoring and line management for other teaching assistants.

If you share our passion for making a real difference to the lives of children and young people with special needs, this could be the opportunity you are looking for. In return for your contribution to our team, you will work in an environment, which is innovative and well resourced, and in a role which is rewarding and fulfilling. We will provide you with induction and training, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme, one of the largest public sector pension schemes in the UK.

The Gallery Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment with The Gallery Trust is subject to verification of ID and qualifications, satisfactory evidence of the right to work in the UK, health clearance, NCTL and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check. The Gallery Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from candidates from all ethnic and community backgrounds

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.

Visas cannot 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

The Gallery Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Any offer of employment with The Gallery Trust is subject to verification of ID and qualifications, satisfactory evidence of the right to work in the UK, health clearance, and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check. The Gallery Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from candidates from all ethnic and community backgrounds.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Orion Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 10 to 18
• School size: 74 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 10 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Orion Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/orion-academy

Orion Academy currently offers places to 94 students, and the roll of the school will rise steadily over the next three years to cater for 108 students, aged from 10 to 18 years. Students attend from throughout the county, and transfer from our SEND feeder school, Northern House Academy, and from mainstream primary and secondary schools. All students who attend Orion Academy have an Education, Health and Care Plan, which describes their special needs and drives their educational provision.

Students are taught through a differentiated and bespoke curriculum designed to enhance their personal and social development and academic achievement. We have a strong intent to ensure our students leave with the personal characteristics to thrive in their communities. Classes are taught in stages, not necessarily age, allowing innovation and creative approaches to teaching and learning. The Academy provides support for our students with social and emotional needs through our Academy Community Learning Team, which consists of youth workers, therapeutic and pastoral workers.

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