Job description

Job Description

Purpose of Role

The Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is a key member of the DSGD Primary Team. The HLTA plays a vital role in supporting teaching and learning across the school, covering classes when required, and managing a team of Teaching Assistants (TAs) within a designated key stage. This position focuses on enhancing learning, fostering independence, and building confidence among students, while ensuring smooth classroom management and effective deployment of support staff. The HLTA will report directly to the Deputy Head Academics.

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom Cover: Deliver lessons and manage classes in the absence of the class teacher, ensuring continuity of learning and maintaining high standards of behaviour.
• Small Group Teaching: Plan and deliver targeted learning sessions for small groups of students needing additional support or extension, ensuring a differentiated approach to meet individual needs.
• Support Development: Collaborate with the Deputy Head Academics and class teachers to identify students requiring support and create effective strategies for their development.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly assess and monitor student progress, providing feedback to the Deputy Head Academics and classroom teachers to inform planning and interventions.
• Resource Preparation: Prepare and adapt learning materials and resources that align with the curriculum and support the diverse needs of students.
• Student Engagement: Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages student participation, motivation, and a love of learning.
• Team Management: Lead and manage a team of Teaching Assistants (TAs) within a key stage, ensuring they are effectively deployed, supported, and contributing to student progress.
• Differentiation: Apply a strong understanding of differentiation strategies to ensure all learners, including those needing additional support or extension, can access and succeed in the curriculum.
• Curriculum Knowledge: Demonstrate a clear understanding of the national curriculum, ensuring that teaching, support, and interventions are aligned with curriculum objectives and progression.
• Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with teaching staff, parents, and the Deputy Head Academics to ensure a collaborative approach to learning support.
• Administrative Duties: Assist with administrative tasks related to the Primary Team, including documentation and recordkeeping of student progress and interventions.‑keeping

Qualifications and Skills

• Relevant qualification in education, child development, or teaching support.
• Experience working with children in an educational setting, ideally with experience covering classes and managing support staff.
• Strong knowledge of the national curriculum and the ability to apply differentiation strategies effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with students and colleagues.
• A patient, empathetic, and proactive approach to student support.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills to manage and support TAs effectively within a key stage.

The above is not an exhaustive list. Applicants must be willing to undertake other reasonable duties as requested by the Deputy Head Academics, Deputy Head Pastoral, Vice Principal, or any duties that the Principal deems necessary for the effective operation of the school.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.