Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – SEN School Salary: £27,463–£29,982 per annum (actual salary, NOT pro-rata) Location: Bristol area Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm Contract: Full-time | Term-time only Start Date: November 2026 Looking for a rewarding SEN role with fantastic benefits and term-time-only hours? Simply Education is recruiting an enthusiastic and experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a brand-new specialist school supporting children and young people aged 5–19 with Autism (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a new school from the very beginning, with an excellent salary, shorter working days, fully funded training and the chance to make a genuine difference. What makes this opportunity different? This isn't your typical classroom-based HLTA role. You'll have the opportunity to deliver creative, engaging learning experiences both indoors and outdoors, using purpose-built facilities including: * Dedicated outdoor learning spaces and secure playing fields * A multi-use games area (MUGA) * Specialist Art, Design Technology and Science classrooms * A practical teaching kitchen for developing life skills * Indoor and outdoor sensory and quiet spaces You'll be joining a supportive specialist setting where every pupil is encouraged to develop their confidence, independence and love of learning. What you'll be doing * Leading lessons and providing classroom cover when required * Delivering engaging learning activities to individuals, small groups and whole classes * Supporting pupils with ASD, SEMH and additional learning needs * Using outdoor and practical activities to make learning more engaging * Supporting positive behaviour, emotional regulation and pupil wellbeing * Working closely with teachers and other professionals to support pupil progress * Helping create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment What we're looking for * HLTA Diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification * GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above * Experience supporting children or young people with SEN, ASD or SEMH * Confidence leading learning activities and managing classroom behaviour * A patient, positive and creative approach to supporting young people * An interest in outdoor education and practical learning Experience in a specialist SEN school or outdoor education setting would be advantageous but isn't essential. Fantastic employee benefits Alongside your salary and term-time-only working pattern, you'll receive access to: * Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) * UK Healthcare * £1,000 refer-a-friend scheme * Life assurance * High street discounts through Perkbox * Cycle to Work scheme * Car scheme * Fully funded training and qualifications Ready for something different? If you're an experienced HLTA looking for a rewarding opportunity with excellent benefits, a supportive environment and the chance to help shape a brand-new specialist school, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV or contact Ioan at Simply Education for an informal, confidential chat. Call: (phone number removed) WhatsApp: (phone number removed) Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check