Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) / Teaching Assistant / Alternative Therapeutic Education
Shamley Green, Surrey · Permanent, full time, term time. Term time roles are worked over 41 weeks a year · Full time, term time (41 weeks)
Salary: £25,126 (SP1) to £31,419 (SP5) per year, full time, term time, paid over 12 months. This is the actual salary for this full time, term time post, not a full year equivalent
Recruiting on a rolling basis, no fixed closing date
Elysian is recruiting a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at Shamley Green, Surrey. Shamley Green, at Westland Farm, is Elysian’s original and largest site. Learning there happens through animals, practical skills and the outdoors.
Most of this role is outdoors, with animals, in all weathers and all year round. You do not need experience of handling animals, but a willingness to work with animals and learn about them is essential. The role needs patience, adaptability, resilience and a proactive, hands-on approach.
The role
You will play a vital part in supporting children and young people’s learning, wellbeing and personal development through creative and therapeutic approaches. Your main duties will be to:
- support individual and group learning, both in structured lessons and through practical, experiential learning
- help children and young people achieve their educational and therapeutic goals, adapting strategies to meet individual needs
- lead animal-assisted learning activities that help children and young people build confidence, responsibility and engagement
- work with teachers, therapists and multidisciplinary teams to deliver personalised learning plans
- keep accurate and timely records of progress, participation and outcomes
- help plan and deliver creative, hands-on sessions that include farm activities, equine learning and alternative education approaches
- give targeted support to children and young people who find attendance and engagement difficult, including outreach where needed
- offer pastoral support, helping children and young people develop emotional regulation, resilience and positive coping strategies
- where appropriate, supervise apprentices and volunteers, contributing to a nurturing and supportive team culture
- help keep the farm environment safe, secure and engaging for learning.
What we are looking for
Essential:
- at least three years’ experience in a teaching assistant or learning support role
- experience of working with learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in an alternative, specialist or therapeutic education setting
- experience of supporting children and young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties
- a strong understanding of safeguarding, professional boundaries and child protection procedures
- confidence working outdoors all year round, in all weathers
- a willingness to work with animals and learn about them.
Desirable:
- a teaching assistant qualification, or equivalent
- an HLTA qualification, or relevant special educational needs (SEN) or education qualifications in specialist areas
- a degree or higher education qualification in a relevant field, or extensive equivalent experience
- an understanding of animal-assisted learning or therapy (training can be provided).
What we offer
Casual dress, company events, a workplace pension, and the chance to work in a dynamic outdoor learning environment.
How to apply
Use the “Express interest in this role” link below, attaching your CV. Current Elysian staff are welcome to apply in the same way. For questions about the role, email apply@elysianuk.org.
The organisation is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All roles are subject to safeguarding scrutiny, including references and DBS checks, prior to commencing employment.
Elysian is committed to safer recruitment. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks.
All term-time roles work over 41 weeks, in line with Elysian's organisational calendar.