Location
London Borough of Croydon

Hours
32 hours per week – Mondays 8.45 to 3.15, Tuesdays to Fridays 8.45 to 3.45
Term time & INSET (5 days)

Salary
Grade 7 Scp 23 FTE £39,519 pro-rated salary £31,261

About the Role
Are you a dedicated, proactive leader who loves working with young people? Do you have a passion for special education and a desire to oversee high-quality support for students with additional needs? Priory School is looking for a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to lead classroom support, guide Teaching Assistants, and oversee key non-classroom learning spaces across the school.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to combine classroom practice, team management, and practical coordination. You will work directly with students across pathways and help us maintain an environment where independence and individual achievements are celebrated.

The role will include:
- Planning, teaching and assessing learning following an agreed timetable across the school, covering the teachers’ PPA and absence as required.
- Overseeing and deploying Teaching Assistants during taught classes and wider school activities.
- Supporting teachers by delivering learning activities and targeted interventions tailored to Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and complex needs.
- Assisting in the daily running of vocational and life-skills environments, including the Woodlands Cafe and life skills flat.
- Coordinating and supporting off-site community access, swimming routines, and horse-riding sessions.
- Overseeing lunchtime routines and dining hall setups.
- Leading lunchtime clubs, whole-school snack distribution, and supporting cultural/seasonal events.
- Collaborating with Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and multidisciplinary teams.

This is a varied and fulfilling role that combines classroom teaching, staff direction, and practical operations. You will have the opportunity to make a real contribution to the daily life and long-term outcomes of students at Priory.

If you are organised, supportive, and passionate about empowering young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged.

Closing date: 20th October
Interview date: 11th November
Start date: January 2027

Experience
Experience working with young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), autism, or complex SEND profiles is essential. Experience in supporting students across all key stages and pathways, including those with physically challenging behaviour.

About you
You are physically and emotionally resilient to work across the whole school environment. You demonstrate high standards of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and professionally in both written and verbal forms. You are passionate about working with young people and are well organised, able to manage your own workload effectively. You are confident in directing and deploying support staff in both classroom and non-classroom settings. You are collaborative, warm, and able to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff. You are committed to promoting independence, dignity, and readiness for adulthood. You possess strong organisational skills and are adept at managing logistics, stock, and practical arrangements.

Qualifications
HLTA status or equivalent Level 4 qualification, OR relevant specialist experience.