Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Pastoral)

John Watson School, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX33 1NN

12 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  28 September 2026

• Closing date

  13 July 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  1 July 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
  • Pastoral, health and welfare
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: 26,348.32 - £28,526.03 based on 32.25 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Pastoral) job summary

Safety . Learning . Independence . Communication . Engagement

John Watson School is looking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our existing vibrant and friendly team in our all age special school from 28th September 2026. We are looking for someone who is experienced in special education and is confident, committed and a problem solver.

The successful candidates will compliment the team at our school, demonstrate a commitment to learning, and enjoy working with children of all abilities and ages.

John Watson School is a Special School with sites in Wheatley and Holton. We cater for children with Special Educational Needs from the ages of 2 - 19 years. We aim to create a happy, healthy and secure learning environment in which the needs of all pupils are met, enabling each child to reach their individual potential. We offer pupils opportunities for integrated educational experiences with their peer groups in the primary and secondary schools whose sites we share. We support pupils in developing their independence, social and communication skills that can be used at school, at home and in the community.

Oxfordshire Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post involves the type of work with children and young people that requires applicants to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.

We are judged Good by Ofsted (October 2022) and we are ambitious in our vision for the future provision for our pupils. We offer small classes, typically less than 10 pupils per class, working within large teams of support staff and additional NHS therapists.

What we Offer

Competitive salary

Full induction programme and ongoing CPD, including specialist SEN training

Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on-site parking

Flexible working options (part-time or job share considered)

Local Government Pension (LGPS)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Refer-a-friend scheme (earn up to £500)

A strong, therapeutic and supportive school culture

About the Role

Support pupils with SEND to achieve their learning, communication and wellbeing goals.

Deliver learning activities for individuals, small groups and occasionally whole classes.

Provide pastoral, behaviour and emotional regulation support across the school.

Monitor pupil progress and contribute to support plans and reviews.

Work closely with teachers, therapists, families and external professionals.

Help create a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment.

Term-time only + 5 inset days, 32.25 hours per week.

Working pattern: 8:30-15:15 Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri & 08:30-16:00 Tues, including a 30 minutes unpaid lunchbreak.

Who We’re Looking For

Experience working with children or young people with SEND.

Understanding of behaviour support and emotional regulation strategies.

A confident, resilient and proactive approach to supporting pupils.

HLTA qualification, equivalent experience, or ability to meet HLTA standards.

Good literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and achieving the best outcomes for pupils.

Experience of Total Communication, Makaton, behaviour support or similar specialist approaches is desirable.

How to Apply

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please apply online via the link provided. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

To arrange a visit or to find out more, please contact the School Business Manager, Amy Wilkinson, via email sbm@johnwatsonschool.org - we would love to show you what makes our school such a special place.

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 Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.

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 John Watson School

• School type: Academy, ages 2 to 19
• School size: Up to 110 pupils
• Age range: 2 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: John Watson School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/john-watson-school-oxford

John Watson School is committed to providing high quality learning experiences to all our children and young people. We offer a relevant and balanced education that recognises individual achievement and prepares each individual well for their future lives. Please take a look at our website to find out more about our school. If you would like further information or wish to visit the school, please contact the school office. Staff in the school are committed to the development and maintenance of policies which promote and safeguard the welfare of all children, undertaking this with particular sensitivity to needs arising from pupils’ gender, race, culture, religion, language and disability.

School location

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