At Aurora Hedgeway School, we provide a dynamic and inspiring environment for children and young people aged 7–19 with autism and associated social and communication needs.

We offer every student the opportunity to explore and fulfil their unique potential. With provision spanning from Key Stage 2 through to post-16, we are committed to supporting students at every stage of their educational journey, helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to succeed.

We're looking for an experienced and compassionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) / ELSA to join our team and help support the emotional wellbeing, development and learning of our students.

The Role

As a HLTA / ELSA, you'll play a key role in supporting both the educational and emotional development of our students. Working closely with teachers, therapists and wider school staff, you'll deliver high-quality learning experiences and targeted emotional literacy interventions that help students thrive both academically and personally.

You'll support classroom learning, provide individual and small-group interventions, and help embed positive approaches to emotional wellbeing and behaviour across the school.

What You'll Be Doing

• Delivering high-quality educational activities and learning experiences that support students to achieve their full potential
• Planning and delivering individual and small-group emotional literacy interventions tailored to students' needs
• Supporting teachers with positive behaviour strategies, emotional regulation approaches and wellbeing initiatives
• Leading classes in the absence of a teacher, ensuring continuity of learning and support
• Monitoring and recording progress against EHCP outcomes and emotional literacy targets
• Contributing to the planning, delivery and evaluation of ELSA programmes and interventions
• Promoting safeguarding, wellbeing and positive relationships throughout the school community

About You

We're looking for someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and who understands the importance of emotional wellbeing in helping students succeed.

You will have:

• An ELSA qualification, Level 5 qualification or Mental Health First Aid training
• Experience working with children and young people with autism and additional needs
• Experience supporting emotional literacy, wellbeing and mental health interventions
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Experience managing and supporting a range of behaviours, including behaviours that challenge
• Knowledge of SEN, ADHD, ASD and related needs
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including experience working with families and external professionals
• Experience supporting young people with emotional literacy needs

How to apply?

For candidates that haven't worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.

Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Emma in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at Emma.Mckay@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 taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. 

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