Higher-Level Teaching Assistant – Cover and English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Job description

Position: Higher-Level Teaching Assistant – Cover and English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Salary: Scale 6, Spinal point 18-20

Hours of work: Part Time (35 hours) considered – Term Time Only

Contract Term: Fixed term Until 31st December 2027

Closing Date: 5th October 2026

Interviews: 15th October 2026

Start date : 1st January 2027

HLTA: Cover and EAL: Make a lasting impact where it matters most

Are you a skilled HLTA with a passion for language, inclusion and ensuring all children can achieve? We are seeking a confident, compassionate, and highly effective HLTA – EAL to join our committed and supportive team. This is a unique opportunity to combine whole-class teaching and cover with a specialist intervention role, helping to accelerate our children who are new to English.

About the Role

This dynamic role combines:

· Delivering high-quality whole class cover across the school
· Leading and modelling excellent language and behaviour
· Collaborating with and guiding staff to ensure consistency and impact

You will be a visible, calm, and positive presence across the school—supporting pupils, staff, and the wider community to maintain high expectations and strong relationships.

What We Offer

· A warm, inclusive school with a strong sense of community
· Enthusiastic pupils who are eager to learn and succeed
· A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team
· High-quality CPD, including opportunities to develop expertise in behaviour and wellbeing
· A culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth

What You’ll Do

· Deliver engaging, pre-planned lessons to whole classes, ensuring continuity of learning
· Promote and model excellent behaviour and emotional regulation strategies
· Support pupils with SEND and SEMH needs, recognising behaviour as communication
· Lead targeted interventions (1:1 and small group) to support children with EAL
· Work collaboratively with staff, leaders, and families to improve outcomes for all pupils
· Act as a role model, embedding consistent routines, expectations, and positive relationships across the school

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

· Has a minimum of two years’ experience of working in schools and delivering lessons
· Has strong experience of behaviour management and classroom practice
· Confident delivering lessons to whole classes from Reception to Year 6
· Builds positive, respectful relationships with pupils and staff
· Remains calm, resilient, and solution-focused under pressure
· Is committed to inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing

Why Join Us?

This is more than a cover role – it’s a chance to lead change, influence practice, and transform pupil outcomes. You’ll play a key role in shaping a positive school culture where every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

In the unfortunate event cover is no longer required the offer will be withdrawn. The school reserves the right to end the contract earlier than the expected end date if the incumbent class teacher returns prior to the end of their maternity leave for any reason.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged.

Please do visit the school website for a virtual tour and for further information. If you would like to visit Tetherdown School in person prior to applying, then call the school office on the number above to book your place or for any questions and, ask for Cathy Lewis, Communications Officer.

Visits and tour of school: Thursday 1st October 2026 at 4:30pm

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhanced checks as part of our Prevent Duty.

As a school, we embrace diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the essential selection criteria.

In line with our safeguarding practices, we are unable to accept CV’s.