Higher Level Teaching Assistant - HLTA

Higher Level Teaching Assistant in a new SEN provision

Location: Horsham, West Sussex

Contract Type: Permanent, full-time, term time only

Hours: 40 hours per week

Actual annual salary: £26,390 - £28,821 dependent on experience

Hourly rate: £14.77 - £16.13 per hour 

Start Date: January 2026

Aurora Vincent House School 

As part of our growth strategy, we are really pleased to have opened a brand new SEND Secondary School in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex for autistic young people aged 11-16. We are a happy school that values kindness and understanding where everyone feels safe. Most of our students are coming to us from mainstream education to have access to an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a focus on meeting their sensory needs and support for their emotional wellbeing. Just over half of our students are girls.

The Role

We are looking for an HLTA who will be able to support in the development and growth of our school. This is a flexible role which may include running SEN interventions, covering classes, support on trips and visits and running clubs or activities. We are looking for someone who is confident in working with young people to support their self-regulation, learning and confidence during their time with us, and has the skill and flexibility to meet a variety of student needs.

We are welcoming applicants with a range of experience in secondary education and experience of autism and/or mental health needs, and interests or expertise in academic or vocational areas as we expand our education offer. Our staff work in a trauma-informed and empathic approach, focussing on the wellbeing and self-regulation of students, as well as encouraging them to develop and thrive academically.

This is an excellent career opportunity for someone who wishes to have significant training opportunities and to collaborate closely with in-house therapists and clinicians. As with all roles at Vincent House, it requires a focus on establishing strong relationships with students - prioritising their wellbeing above all else.

Our students will have access to an enrichment curriculum that will include a range of outdoor activities, sports including swimming, visits, and community projects. We welcome applicants who are also enthusiastic to support these activities as well as class-based learning.

Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of Aurora Vincent House School when required. Please see the link below for our full job description:

Job Description - HLTA

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:  

• A strong interest in therapeutic approaches and an interest in psychology
• Effective experience working with young people especially those with SEND OR clear potential to learn quickly
• They have successfully supported neurodivergent students in a teaching role
• Resourcefulness, resilience and a growth mindset
• A good level of education.

Candidates must:

• have a good level of written and verbal English and general education as well as IT skills to support our students’ learning plus GCSE pass C or above (or 4 in new GCSE system) in English and Maths.
• have the empathy and resilience to work with young people some of whom may experience high anxiety and may exhibit self-harming behaviours, ARFID and disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
• be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner. That requires continuous engagement in learning and a genuine belief in a neuro-affirmative approach.

We offer:

• Small classes with the opportunity to establish strong relationships with all students.
• The time, support and training for you to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of all students.
• A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families within the community.
• It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.

Our priority is appointing a person with the right mindset, potential and pastoral approach.

What’s on offer!

You will also benefit from a generous package that includes:

• Life assurance
• Enhanced Pension
• Perkbox - offering high street discounts
• Employee assistance programme
• Car lease scheme and bike to work scheme
• Fully funded training and qualifications
• Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more.

How to Apply: 

Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details.  If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at liz.hudson@theauroragroup.co.uk

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. 

This advert could be paused or taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled or we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.