SEN Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Join Ryefields: A New Special School in Derby as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant!

Are you a skilled and compassionate professional ready to support children with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you want to play a key role in shaping the future of a brand-new special school? If so, we want to hear from you!

Position: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Location: Ryefields, Derby
Salary: £15.37 – £16.78 per hour
Contract Type: Full-time Term Time Only
Start Date: 1st September 2026

About Ryefields

Ryefields is a purpose-built special school in Derby, dedicated to providing exceptional education for children and young people with ASC and SEMH needs. Our vision is to create a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.

As a founding member of the Ryefields team, you will have the exciting opportunity to help establish a positive and inclusive school culture from the ground up.

The Role

As an HLTA at Ryefields, you will play a vital role in supporting the teaching and learning of our students. Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the planning and delivery of lessons tailored to individual needs, working closely with the class teacher.
• Leading small group and one-to-one interventions to support academic, social, and emotional development.
• Assisting in the development of personalized learning plans and strategies for students.
• Promoting a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Monitoring and recording students' progress and providing feedback to teachers.
• Supporting the implementation of positive behavior strategies.
• Acting as a key liaison with families, where appropriate, to ensure consistency of support.

What We're Looking For

• HLTA qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with children with ASC, SEMH, or other complex needs in an educational setting.
• A strong understanding of SEND and inclusive practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Flexibility, patience, and resilience in supporting students with additional needs.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

What Ryefields Offers

• The chance to be part of the founding team in a brand-new, purpose-built special school.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment with a focus on professional growth.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities designed specifically for children with ASC and SEMH needs.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
• The rewarding experience of helping children achieve their potential in a nurturing environment.

How to Apply

Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details and a personal statement that will make us really keen to speak to you.? If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Karen?in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at  

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.