Teaching Assistant HLTA SEND

About the role

Dear Applicant,

I am delighted that you are interested in finding out more about the position of Teaching Assistant at  Journeys Academy. This position offers the successful applicant an exciting opportunity to join a newly created team at a brand-new special school for children with communication and autism needs which is due to open in September 2026. 

Journeys Academy will be one of the eleven Academies that form the Agora Learning Partnership; an organisation where collaboration and partnership are believed to be the key to success. The Agora Learning Partnership is a place where we ‘work together, learn together and succeed together’. At the Agora Learning Partnership, children are placed at the heart of all decisions that are made; it is also a place where school leaders make ‘local decisions for local children’ to ensure the needs of the children are met.

 Journeys Academy's design was inspired by the local area of Potters Bar, and we are proud to be a school built on the shared vision of working together, learning together, succeeding together. At Journeys Academy, we believe that education is exactly that – a journey. One that children, families, staff and the wider community travel together, supporting and learning from one another every step of the way.

Our children are at the heart of everything we do. Through a carefully planned, individualised curriculum alongside the National Curriculum, we encourage them to be curious, resilient and reflective, developing a genuine love of learning that will stay with them throughout their education journey and for life. As lifelong learners ourselves, we model curiosity and openness, showing our children that learning does not end at the classroom door. We are ambitious for every child and committed to ensuring that everyone is supported and challenged as they grow academically, socially and emotionally celebrating our community’s uniqueness and diversity.

Collaboration is central to our success. By working closely with families, professionals and partner organisations, we enrich the experiences we offer and strengthen the outcomes we achieve, ensuring the best for every child. Together, we create a nurturing, aspirational environment where everyone belongs and everyone can succeed. 

We are seeking Teaching Assistants with a strong SEND focus to join our dedicated and supportive team. This role is particularly suited to someone who is passionate about working with children with additional needs and who is confident supporting pupils to make progress towards their individual targets.

A key aspect of the role will involve supporting the teaching and learning within the classrooms as well as delivering targeted interventions for children with EHCPs and a range of additional learning needs.

The role will include working with children across the school, both in class and through leading small-group or individual interventions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting children with SEND to access learning and achieve their individual targets

• Delivering targeted interventions linked to EHCP outcomes and support plans

• Leading and supporting small-group and individual interventions

• Supporting the Teaching and Learning within the classroom

• Working with pupils across different year groups as required

• Supporting children’s communication, regulation, independence and learning behaviours

• Working closely with class teachers, inclusion team and external professionals

• Maintaining clear records and contributing to reviews of pupil progress

• Promoting a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience working with children with SEND, or a strong commitment to developing this expertise

• Is confident supporting children with EHCPs and personalised targets

• Can lead small-group and individual interventions effectively

• Is patient, calm and adaptable, with a solution-focused approach

• Builds positive, trusting relationships with children and adults

• Works well as part of a team and communicates clearly and professionally

• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare

A relevant qualification (e.g. Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent) is desirable but not essential for the right candidate.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and inclusive school community 

• Clear systems and leadership support for SEND practice

• Ongoing SEND-focused training and professional development

• Opportunities to work closely with the SENCO and wider inclusion team

• A commitment to staff wellbeing and work-life balance

Our team look forward to welcoming you to Journeys Academy.  We are confident that by working together, learning together and succeeding together, we can help every child at Journeys Academy thrive.

We are looking for passionate, innovative team members with experience and interest in special education to take on this rare challenge. If you are seeking a new challenge, the opportunity to build a fantastic learning space and passionate about ensuring a child’s learning journey is a positive one, we want to hear from you.

I hope you find the information in this recruitment pack useful; however, you may like to find out more about the role. I am more than happy to talk through this opportunity. 

 A school visit prior to application is unfortunately not possible at this time, due to it currently being a working building site. However, please feel free to contact me on [email protected] to arrange a confidential call.

To apply please see the advert on My New Term: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/451747368/EDV-2026-JA-24660

The Agora Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to share this commitment. This post will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS).

Please note that all recruitment is handled directly by our team; we do not work with external agencies.

I look forward to hearing from you.

 Kind regards,

 Sheryl Wall

Headteacher