HLTA

About the role

HLTA

Do you possess the ability to stay calm when someone announces they’ve “accidentally glued their sleeve to the table again”?

If so, Sandon JMI School would love to meet you.

We’re on the hunt for a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant who brings energy, humour, and a heroic level of patience to our warm, friendly village school. You’ll support teaching across the school, lead learning with confidence, and occasionally referee debates about whose turn it is on the wobble cushion.

Sandon JMI School is a truly special place to learn and grow. We are a warmly welcoming, inclusive school proudly open to every child, embracing diversity and ensuring that all pupils, whatever their background, ability, or individual needs, feel valued, supported, and celebrated as part of the school community. With small class sizes, every child is genuinely known here: their strengths, their challenges, their passions, and their personality. Staff build deep, meaningful relationships with each pupil, allowing learning to be carefully tailored and every child to thrive with confidence.

Beyond the classroom, Sandon JMI offers an exceptional range of enriching experiences that bring learning vividly to life. The school's dedicated Forest School programme takes children into the natural world, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love of the outdoors through hands-on exploration among the trees. An outdoor gym encourages physical wellbeing, play, and teamwork, while the school's generous outdoor spaces give children the freedom to run, imagine, and discover in the fresh Hertfordshire air. Inside, the school is equally well-equipped for the modern age, with iPads and laptops woven thoughtfully into everyday learning to inspire creativity and digital confidence from an early age. At Sandon JMI, the village setting is not just a backdrop, it is part of the school's soul, infusing daily life with a sense of community, belonging, and the quiet beauty of the English countryside.

This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference within a school that sits at the heart of its community. We are looking for a teacher who enjoys reflecting on and developing their practice, values collaboration and is excited to become an integral part of our school family.

 In return, we offer:

• Small class sizes where every child is known and valued.

• Polite, enthusiastic and motivated pupils who love learning.

• A well-resourced learning environment with extensive outdoor spaces.

• A stunning rural setting surrounded by nature.

• Friendly, supportive and dedicated colleagues and governors.

• Excellent professional development and career progression opportunities.

• A vibrant, happy and inclusive school community.

• Strong links with our Sandon Village community.

• Excellent CPD opportunities.

• A supportive Headteacher who prioritises staff wellbeing and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Please submit your application via Teach in Herts and include a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit our school and experience our unique community for themselves. To arrange a visit or discuss the role further, please contact us via [email protected] or telephone 01763 287238.

 Safeguarding

The Governing Body and Hertfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be expected to share this commitment and ensure that safeguarding remains a priority at all times. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.