Teaching Assistant Level 4

Priory School, London, SE19 3QN

19 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  20 October 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  1 October 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • HLTA (higher level teaching assistant)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time: 32 hours per week – Mondays 8.45 to 3.15, Tuesdays to Fridays 8.45 to 3.45 Term time & INSET (5 days)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Grade 7 Scp 23 FTE £39,519 pro-rated salary £31,261

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you a dedicated, proactive leader who loves working with young people?

Do you have a passion for special education and a desire to oversee high-quality support for students with additional needs?

Priory School is looking for a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to lead classroom support, guide Teaching Assistants, and oversee key non-classroom learning spaces across the school.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to combine classroom practice, team management, and practical coordination. You will work directly with students across pathways and help us maintain an environment where independence and individual achievements are celebrated.

The role will include:

• Planning, teaching and assessing learning following an agreed timetable across the school, covering the teachers PPA and absence as required.
• Overseeing and deploying Teaching Assistants during taught classes and wider school activities.
• Supporting teachers by delivering learning activities and targeted interventions tailored to Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and complex needs.
• Assisting in the daily running of vocational and life-skills environments, including the Woodlands Cafe and life skills flat.
• Coordinating and supporting off-site community access, swimming routines, and horse- riding sessions.
• Overseeing lunchtime routines and dining hall setups.
• Leading lunchtime clubs, whole-school snack distribution, and supporting cultural/seasonal events.
• Collaborating with Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and multidisciplinary teams.
• We are looking for someone who is:
• Experienced in working with young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), autism, or complex SEND profiles.
• Physically and emotionally resilient to work across the whole school, including all key stages and pathways, including those with physically challenging behaviour.
• Demonstrating high standards of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally across written and verbal communications.
• Passionate about working with young people.
• Well organised and able to manage their own workload.
• Confident in directing and deploying support staff in classroom and non-classroom environments.
• Well-organised, resilient, and skilled at managing logistics, stock, and practical arrangements.
• Collaborative, warm, and able to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Committed to promoting independence, dignity, and readiness for adulthood.

HLTA status or equivalent Level 4 qualification, OR relevant specialist experience.

This is a varied and fulfilling role that combines classroom teaching, staff direction, and practical operations. You will have the opportunity to make a real contribution to the daily life and long-term outcomes of students at Priory.

If you are organised, supportive, and passionate about empowering young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

What the school offers its staff

Strong focus on staff wellbeing.

Flexible working policy.

Personalised training.

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.

About Priory School

• Organisation type: Special school, ages 11 to 19
• Size: 140 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Priory School website
• Email address: traceyjones@priorycroydon.org.uk
• Phone number: 02086538222
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/priory-school-london

Arranging a visit to Priory School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email traceyjones@priorycroydon.org.uk.

School location

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