An exciting, rarely available, opportunity! Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

About the role

Are you kind, curious and ambitious? Are you passionate about primary education?

Oakwood is a 1.5 form of entry community in St Albans. We were delighted to be recently graded as "Good" by Ofsted across all areas. Ofsted noted that "Adults empower pupils and there is mutual respect for everyone. Pupils like the many ‘golden’ rewards available and behave well. The school is mindful of staff well-being and workload. Staff are positive about working here."

We pride ourselves on embodying our core school values of kindness, curiosity and ambition within our broad and balanced curriculum. We have a wonderful community of children, staff, parents and governors and we are looking for a talented Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our team. A specialism in French, PE or music may be an advantage, but is not essential.

The main purpose of this role will be to reguarly deliver lessons to whole classes across the primary age range. These lessons may be from across the curriculum, but if you have a specialism, you will have the chance to work with our Subject Leader to shape your own lessons and teach this across a group of classes. You will have the opportunity to influence our curriculum by sharing your expertise, passions and interests. At the same time, you will work collaboratively with staff to continue our commitment to inclusive learning and a nurturing ethos. This role is primarily in KS2 but the role may involve working in EYFS and KS1 and may also involve usual Teaching Assistant responsibilities, including supporting children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). 

This is a permanent position starting in September 2025 (subject to pre-employment checks). The hours are 33.25 per week: 8.30am to 4:00pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 8:30am to 4:45pm on Wednesdays (our staff CPD day). This includes a 1-hour unpaid lunch. You would be expected to attend all INSET days (five per year). 

We are looking for someone who:

• embodies our core values of Kindness, Curiosity and Ambition
• has a nurturing ethos and prioritises children's well-being and personal development
• models an excellent standard of spoken and written English
• is confident in supporting children in developing their mathematical skills
• is passionate about promoting all children's learning across the curriculum, including children with SEND
• has highly effective interpersonal skills and forges positive partnerships with colleagues and parents
• is flexible and can use initiative to create and adapt ideas

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• a friendly, supportive staff team and community
• eager, motivated pupils who are proud of their school
• a school committed to a child-centred therapeutic approach
• engaged, knowledgeable and supportive parents and governors
• weekly CPD with further CPD opportunities
• access to wellbeing support including physiotherapy through our subscription to Schools Advisory Service
• a well-resourced school with fabulous grounds
• free onsite parking

School visits are warmly welcomed and encouraged. You can also view our website. To arrange a visit, please contact our PA to the Head, Mrs Tavener. Contact with the school office is best made via telephone or email.

Shortlisting will take place on application. 

Candidates should align their application to the attached job description.

Oakwood Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children. We follow safer recruitment guidelines when advertising and employing new staff and the post would be subject to an enhanced DBS check, reference checks, medical check and an online social media search in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and our Safer Recruitment Policy. By submitting and signing your application, you acknowledge that such searches will be conducted before appointment.

We truly welcome all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity and religion.

Please note that an early application is an advantage as we may close applications when we feel we have sufficient from which to make a good appointment.