Specialist SEND unit Higher Level Teaching Assistant
The Willows Primary School, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 9ER116 days remaining to apply
Start date details
1st September 2026
Closing date
8 September 2026 at 9am
Date listed
15 May 2026
Job details
Job role
- HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time: Monday to Friday. 32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £33,699
What skills and experience we're looking for
Could you be the key that unlocks learning and inspires increased self-worth in our children at the start of our exciting new adventure?
In September 2026 we are thrilled to be opening ‘The Rockpool’, our specialist SEND class for up to 12 Key Stage 1 children with communication and interaction needs, including autism spectrum disorder.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and highly motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to become part of the founding team for this exciting new provision. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring environment where every child is celebrated and supported to thrive.
As a creative, resilient and highly organised practitioner you will:
- Be instrumental in creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment where strong, trusting relationships enable every pupil to thrive socially, emotionally and academically
- Support children to develop communication, emotional regulation, independence and confidence through nurturing and consistent approaches
- Deliver engaging and personalised learning activities that make learning enjoyable, meaningful and memorable
- Work closely with the class teacher and SENDCo to support an ambitious, differentiated curriculum tailored to individual strengths, interests and developmental needs
- Support inclusion opportunities within the wider school community and help ensure every child feels a sense of belonging
- Nurture children and families by encouraging positive self-image, resilience, independence and self-worth
- Show true team player qualities by working collaboratively with colleagues and contributing to the wider life of the school
- Ensure every day counts for every child.
What the school offers its staff
In return we can offer…..
- The opportunity to be part of something truly special from the very beginning
- A supportive ethos where your contribution will be recognised and valued
- Opportunities to work collaboratively with staff, therapists and external agencies to share best practice and enjoy high-quality professional development opportunities
- A role where you will genuinely know you are making a difference in the lives of children and families
- A warm welcome from our wonderful children when you visit
If you are passionate about supporting children with SEND and committed to championing every child’s right to learn, communicate and belong, we would love to hear from you.
Come and help us build something extraordinary at The Rockpool!
Safeguarding Statement
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.
Diversity Statement
Our school is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability,marriageor civil partnership.
Please note:
We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date.
In line with Safer Recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application formsmay result in candidates not being shortlisted.
How to Apply
Further details and an application form are available from Nikki Batley, School Office Manager.
Email:office@The Willows.omat.org.uk.Please return your completed application toMrs Nikki Batley, Office Manager.
Your application should be received no later than 9am, Monday 8th June 2026.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
The Willows Primary School is an Orwell Multi Academy Trust Academy and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Willows Primary School
- School type
- Academies, ages 3 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 306 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Willows Primary School website
- Email address
- office@thewillows.omat.org.uk
At The Willows we are all on a journey to become successful learners, with curious children and dedicated staff all striving to be the very best they can be. Working at the heart of the community, we are also seeking to bring opportunities for learning to parents and families so we can work in partnership to support our children.
Placing the children at the heart of all we do here at The Willows, means we are constantly looking for new and exciting opportunities to enhance the learning and research that supports the approaches we take.
This is evident as we continue to build a curriculum that not only challenges but also inspires the children, placing experiences and creativity at the centre of their learning experience. A curriculum that also values the development of positive attitudes, social skills and service to others, creating resilient and tolerant citizens who want to change their world for the better.
Alongside our high expectations of how the children can behave and what they can achieve academically; it is also our mission to ensure that The Willows is filled with the magic of childhood where a ‘wow’ moment is never far away.
If you would like to know more about our school and the journey of improvement that we are currently on please do not hesitate to contact our friendly office team who will be pleased to help.
We look forward to meeting you soon and sharing a little more of our wonderful world with you.
Arranging a visit to The Willows Primary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email office@thewillows.omat.org.uk.
School location
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