Job Description

HLTA / SEN Classroom Lead
Ideal for Teachers Seeking Better Work-Life Balance
Full-time | Swindon | Specialist SEN School

Still love working with pupils but tired of the planning, marking and admin that comes with full teaching roles?

This SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) role offers the perfect opportunity to remain in the classroom, support learning and make a real difference to pupils' lives -without the workload and pressure of a full teaching position.

Many experienced teachers are now discovering HLTA roles as the perfect middle ground, allowing them to stay in education while achieving a far healthier work-life balance.

We are recruiting an experienced HLTA to join a specialist SEN school in Swindon, supporting children and young people with complex needs in a structured, nurturing learning environment.

Applications from qualified teachers looking for a more balanced role in education are very welcome.

The Role

As a SEN HLTA, you will play a key role in supporting learning and engagement within a specialist setting.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Delivering pre-planned learning activities and targeted interventions
  • Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with complex SEN
  • Supporting emotional regulation and engagement in learning
  • Adapting learning approaches to meet individual pupil needs
  • Working closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams
  • Acting as a calm, consistent and reliable adult in the classroom

You will become part of a collaborative and supportive team, working closely with experienced SEN professionals to ensure pupils receive the consistent support they need to thrive.

Why Teachers Are Choosing HLTA Roles

Many experienced teachers are moving into HLTA roles because they allow you to:

  • Stay in the classroom and support learning
  • Build meaningful relationships with pupils
  • Focus on teaching and pupil support rather than paperwork
  • Avoid the pressure of full class responsibility
  • Achieve a significantly better work-life balance

It's a role that allows you to keep the parts of education you love, while leaving behind the elements that often lead to burnout.

About the Pupils

The school supports children and young people with complex and overlapping needs, including:

  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
  • Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
  • ADHD
  • Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
  • Learning difficulties and trauma-related presentations

Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and may present with challenging behaviour, anxiety or emotional dysregulation. Staff focus on relationship-building, structure and regulation to help pupils feel safe and ready to learn.

Why This School Is So Highly Regarded

The school is known for its:

  • Strong trauma-informed and relational approach
  • Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios
  • Clear behaviour frameworks focused on de-escalation and regulation
  • Supportive leadership team and strong staff collaboration
  • Flexible, personalised curriculum designed around pupil needs

It is a setting where staff are genuinely supported and encouraged to focus on pupils rather than paperwork.

The Ideal Candidate

This role would suit:

  • Qualified Teachers looking to step away from full teaching responsibilities
  • Experienced SEN Teaching Assistants ready to step up (will offer HLTA qualification)
  • Qualified HLTAs with strong classroom experience

You should also have:

  • Experience supporting children or young people with SEN
  • Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
  • Confidence supporting across different age groups
  • A calm, adaptable and resilient approach
  • The ability to build positive relationships quickly

Why Join Tradewind Recruitment

  • Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills / PAYE only
  • Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College
  • Your flexibility matters: Access to a wide range of SEMH and specialist roles
  • Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running
  • Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusive
  • Plus, a dedicated consultant who understands SEND and alternative provision

If you're an experienced education professional who still loves working with pupils but is ready for a more balanced role, this HLTA opportunity could be the perfect next step.

Apply today to find out more.

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