Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead)

Admirals Academy, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2JT

29 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  23 February 2026

• Closing date

  9 January 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  11 December 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
  • Pastoral, health and welfare
  • Other support roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time: 35 hours. Monday to Friday. 38 weeks per year.
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £28,598 - £31,022
• Actual salary: £22,770 - £24,700

What skills and experience we're looking for

• Level 2 qualification in English and Maths.
• Level 3 qualification in English and Maths (A Level), or equivalent.
• HLTA qualification or equivalent.
• Proven experience of working in an educational setting.
• Good ICT Skills.
• Ability to work with small groups or whole classes, and be confident in presenting to the staff team

What the school offers its staff

Our Story

Raleigh Infant and Admirals Academies, part of Eastern Multi Academy Trust, are vibrant and inclusive schools offering high-quality education to children aged 4–11. We pride ourselves on delivering a balanced curriculum in a nurturing environment, with strong pastoral care, high expectations, and values that guide everything we do. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to support each child’s academic and personal development, helping them grow into confident, kind, and aspirational individuals. If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a caring, community-focused team, we warmly invite you to join us.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsibilities, taking a leading position in developing and embedding high-quality pastoral care throughout the school. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our children by helping to remove barriers to learning, promote positive behaviour, and ensure the safety, inclusion, and wellbeing of all pupils.

In this role, you will:

• Lead Pastoral Care: Build strong, supportive relationships with pupils to improve attendance, engagement, and emotional readiness to learn. Co-ordinate and deliver nurture sessions, wellbeing interventions, and targeted programmes.
• Champion Behaviour Management: Implement behaviour strategies across the school, coach staff in de-escalation and restorative practices, and provide on-the-ground support during the school day, including overseeing our ‘Ark’ space at break and lunchtimes.
• Safeguarding: Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), supporting the Principal with safeguarding processes, recording concerns, and contributing to multi-agency meetings.
• Support Families & Attendance: Work closely with parents/carers to strengthen home–school relationships, contribute to attendance strategies, and signpost families to appropriate services.
• Support Teaching & Learning: Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging learning activities for individuals and groups under the guidance of teaching staff. Adapt materials to meet the needs of pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs, and provide short-term class cover when required.
• General Duties: Maintain accurate records, assist with pupil transitions, and provide reintegration support following exclusions or absences.

Why Join Us?

• A welcoming, professional and supportive team.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• A leadership team who listen and value staff feedback.
• Wellbeing and mental health support.
• The opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking Trust.
• Annual flu vaccination vouchers, sight test vouchers, Cycle to Work scheme, and a generous employer pension contribution.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including the Children’s Barred List where applicable), medical checks, and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

How to Apply

Please review the full job description and person specification and complete the application to show how you meet the essential requirements. We’d also like to hear about your relevant experience, what you can bring to the role, and your aspirations for the future.

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

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.

Upload additional documents

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

Higher Level Teaching Assistant.pdf - 235 KB (opens in new tab)

About Admirals Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 7 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 227 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 7 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Admirals Academy website
• Email address: peopleadvisoryservices@eastern-mat.co.uk
• Phone number: 01553603017
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/admirals-academy

Arranging a visit to Admirals Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email peopleadvisoryservices@eastern-mat.co.uk.

School location

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