HLTA

Orchard Manor School, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 9SF

28 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  23 September 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  26 August 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £28,911.00 Annually (FTE)

HLTA job summary

Welcome to Orchard Manor School

At Orchard Manor School, we are proud to be a truly inclusive community where every pupil is known, valued and supported to thrive. Our work is grounded in our core values of respect, relationships, kindness, community, and health & happiness, which shape everything we do.

We are a specialist school with an outstanding residential provision, supporting pupils aged 3-19 with autism, communication and interaction needs, and associated learning needs. Through strong relationships, high aspirations and a nurturing approach, we create an environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to succeed.

Set within beautiful woodland grounds near the seaside town of Dawlish, our school offers a unique learning environment where outdoor learning, creativity and individualised support are central to school life.

The Opportunity

Orchard Manor School is looking to appoint a committed and organised HLTA (with Science Technician responsibilities) to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting pupils with special educational needs to access engaging, practical and meaningful Science learning.

The successful candidate will work closely with Science teachers and wider school staff to prepare resources, equipment and practical materials, maintain safe and well-organised learning environments, and support pupils to access planned Science activities. You will also work with individuals and small groups under the direction of teaching staff, helping pupils to build confidence, independence and practical Science skills.

About the Role

As an HLTA (with Science Technician responsibilities), you will:

support the smooth day-to-day running of Science learning spaces by preparing and clearing away equipment, monitoring stock, supporting safe storage and following agreed health and safety procedures.

Help ensure that practical Science activities are well prepared, inclusive and accessible for pupils across the school.

This post will suit someone who is calm, flexible, well organised and able to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience of working with children in an education setting, particularly pupils with SEND, is essential. Experience or training linked to Science, practical learning, laboratory support or technical support in an education setting would be desirable.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

Can support planned Science learning with individuals and small groups under teacher direction.

Is able to prepare, organise and maintain resources, equipment and practical materials safely and effectively.

Has good organisational, communication and IT skills.

Can support pupils calmly and consistently, including where learning, communication, regulation or behaviour needs require adaptation.

Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding, equality of opportunity and positive outcomes for pupils.

Is willing to undertake relevant Science, safety and SEND training.

Why Join Orchard Manor School?

A welcoming, supportive and values-led school community

Opportunities for professional development and career progression

A collaborative and highly skilled staff team

The chance to make a meaningful impact every day

A unique specialist setting with outdoor learning opportunities

Access to Trust-wide support, wellbeing initiatives and benefits

Part of the Special Partnership Trust — a specialist Trust committed to raising standards in SEND education

Find Out More / Visit Us

We warmly encourage informal visits so you can experience our school community and values in action.

If you would like to get a feel of our school do have a look at our social media pages too - we are on Facebook, Instagram and X . Our website is www.orchardmanor.devon.sch.uk

Email: HROMS@orchard-manor.org

Telephone: 01626 862363

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

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 Orchard Manor School

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 3 to 19
• Size: 227 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Orchard Manor School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/orchard-manor-school-dawlish

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