Higher Level Teaching Assistant (SEND)

Danecourt School, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 6AA

33 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  18 July 2025 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  13 June 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Subject: Special Education Needs (SEN)
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Medway C2 (12 - 25) £27,711 - £35,235 Annually (Actual) + SEN Allowance

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (SEND) job summary

Exciting Opportunity for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)! Make a Difference at Danecourt School!

Are you passionate about supporting students with special educational needs and helping them thrive? We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our dedicated team at Danecourt School, where every day brings new opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our pupils. About the Role:

As an HLTA at Danecourt, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional learning experiences, working alongside a skilled teaching team to:

• Lead learning activities for individuals, small groups, or whole classes under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

• Support the planning, preparation, and delivery of engaging lessons tailored to meet the unique needs of our students.

• Monitor and assess pupil progress, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.

• Take initiative and lead the classroom in the teacher's absence and during teacher PPA time, ensuring continuity and consistency in learning.

• Working collaboratively with class teams, therapists and the SENDCo to embed tailored strategies

• Championing inclusion, emotional regulation, and pupil voice throughout the school day

An HLTA qualification is desirable but not essential. What matters most is your ability to demonstrate leadership in the classroom, your passion for helping students succeed, and your commitment to enhancing their educational journey.

What We’re Looking For:

• Candidates passionate about teaching and committed to giving children the best possible learning experiences.

• HLTA status or equivalent experience (Level 4 or above desirable)

• Experience delivering whole-class teaching, ideally in a SEND or inclusive setting

• Confidence in supporting children with complex needs, including communication and sensory processing differences

• Skilled in delivering targeted intervention programmes, particularly in communication, literacy, and numeracy

• Strong interpersonal skills — able to build positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues

• A team player who’s passionate about making learning accessible, inclusive, and engaging

• Eager to develop their skills and knowledge, with a desire to grow within the role.

• Excellent at managing time and prioritizing tasks to ensure the smooth running of the classroom.

Why Choose Danecourt?

Danecourt is a vibrant special school that caters to primary-aged children with a wide range of special educational needs, including complex learning difficulties, autism, and social, emotional, and mental health challenges. We are part of the Maritime Multi-Academy Trust, an innovative and forward-thinking partnership of academies across Greenwich, Kent, and Medway. We Offer:

• A stimulating, inclusive environment where every child is valued, respected, and supported to achieve their best.

• Personalised learning plans tailored to meet each pupil’s specific needs.

• Access to specialist facilities, therapy support, outdoor learning spaces, and sensory playrooms that enrich the learning experience.

• A positive and collaborative working environment where your contributions are valued.

• National terms and conditions, including the Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Ongoing professional development with opportunities for cross-trust learning.

• Wellbeing initiatives and access to our comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

• Access to the Early Salary Access Scheme and financial advice (Wagestream).

Ready to Make a Difference?

We’d love to welcome you for a visit to come and see what makes Danecourt so special. Please call the school office on on 01634 232589. You’ll find further details about the role, school, and trust in the Candidate Information Pack attached. Applications must be submitted online via the My New Term website before the deadline. Please note that we may interview and appoint candidates as applications are received, so don’t delay—apply today! We encourage visits to the school so please call the office on

Maritime Academy Trust embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Maritime Academy Trust and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and pre-employment checks. In line with safeguarding guidance, we may carry out online checks on shortlisted candidates

Commitment to safeguarding

Maritime Academy Trust is committed to recruiting with care and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS and pre-employment checks.

Applying for the job

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

CVs are not accepted.

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.

About Danecourt School

• School type: Academy, ages 4 to 11
• School size: 254 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Danecourt School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/danecourt-school

Danecourt is a special school catering for primary aged children who have special educational needs. The school caters for children with a wide breadth of need including complex learning difficulties, autism and social emotional mental health needs.

At Danecourt our mission is to provide all pupils with a “stimulating learning environment that allows children to explore through a personalised curriculum to become STARS!

Self reliant Team Player Aspirational Resilient Successful

The highly trained staff teams maintain high expectations of what each individual pupil is able to achieve, striving to ensure that they all achieve their maximum potential; celebrating difference and encouraging curiosity and creativity. Staff work collaboratively with families and a range of other agencies in order to meet the pupils needs and as a result, they make strong progress academically, emotionally and socially. Pupil achievement is hugely valued and celebrated in a manner that is meaningful and appropriate for each pupil.

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