Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Aurora Vincent House School

Salary

Actual annual salary

£27,463 - £29,982 dependent on experience. £15.37 - £16.78 per hour

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time Term Time Only

Location

Vincent House School

Hours

40 Hours per week

Additional Information

Start Date - September 2026

As part of our growth strategy, we are really pleased to have opened a new SEND Secondary School in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex for autistic young people aged 11-16. We are a happy school that values kindness and understanding where everyone feels safe. Most of our students are coming to us from mainstream education to have access to an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a focus on meeting their sensory needs and support for their emotional wellbeing.

The Role

We are looking for an HLTA who will be able to support in the development and growth of our school. This is a flexible role which may include running SEN interventions, covering classes, support on trips and visits and running clubs or activities. We are looking for someone who is confident in working with young people to support their self-regulation, learning and confidence during their time with us, and has the skill and flexibility to meet a variety of student needs.

We are welcoming applicants with a range of experience in secondary education and experience of autism and/or mental health needs, and interests or expertise in academic or vocational areas as we expand our education offer. Our staff work in a trauma-informed and empathic approach, focussing on the wellbeing and self-regulation of students, as well as encouraging them to develop and thrive academically.Our students will have access to an enrichment curriculum that will include a range of outdoor activities, sports including swimming, visits, and community projects. We welcome applicants who are also enthusiastic to support these activities as well as class-based learning.

Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Aurora Vincent House School when required. Please see the link below at the bottom of the page for our full job description.

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate

A strong interest in therapeutic approaches and an interest in psychology

Effective experience working with young people especially those with SEND OR clear potential to learn quickly

They have successfully supported neurodivergent students in a teaching role

Resourcefulness, resilience and a growth mindset

A good level of education.

Candidates must

have a good level of written and verbal English and general education as well as IT skills to support our students' learning plus GCSE pass C or above (or 4 in new GCSE system) in English and Maths.

have the empathy and resilience to work with young people some of whom may experience high anxiety and may exhibit self-harming behaviours, ARFID and disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.

be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner. That requires continuous engagement in learning and a genuine belief in a neuro-affirmative approach.

We offer

Small classes with the opportunity to establish strong relationships with all students.

The time, support and training for you to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of all students.

A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families within the community.

It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.

Our priority is appointing a person with the right mindset, potential and pastoral approach.

How to Apply

For candidates that haven't worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.

Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search