Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Behaviour and Personal Development)

At OFG Education we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Behaviour and Personal Development)
Location: Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
Salary: £26,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Business and Personal Development) to play a key role in supporting students' behaviour, wellbeing, personal development, and preparation for adulthood. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of autistic students and those with communication needs, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to succeed both in school and beyond.

Working closely with students, families, staff, and external professionals, you will lead targeted interventions that promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, attendance, independence, and inclusion. You will champion our SHINE values and help create a culture where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading behaviour, wellbeing, and personal development interventions for individuals and groups.
• Supporting students to develop emotional regulation, resilience, social communication, and independence skills.
• Monitoring and evaluating interventions linked to behaviour, attendance, wellbeing, and EHCP outcomes.
• Developing and reviewing Behaviour Support Plans and Risk Assessments.
• Analysing behaviour and attendance information to identify trends and support improvement strategies.
• Supporting staff through coaching, modelling, and training on effective behaviour and regulation approaches.

About You

You are an experienced and compassionate practitioner who is committed to helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential. You understand the importance of positive relationships, consistency, and high expectations, and you are passionate about supporting students' personal growth as well as their academic progress.

You will have experience working with students with SEND, particularly autism and communication needs, and will be confident supporting children and young people whose behaviours may challenge. Calm under pressure and solution-focused in your approach, you will be skilled at building trust, promoting emotional wellbeing, and helping students develop the confidence and independence they need for future success.

We're looking for someone who can inspire students, support colleagues, and contribute positively to a collaborative and ambitious school community.

What you'll bring:

• HLTA status, or a willingness to work towards HLTA accreditation.
• A Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning (or equivalent).
• GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above.
• Experience working with students with SEND, particularly autism and communication needs.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour support, trauma-informed practice, and emotional regulation strategies.
• Experience delivering interventions and measuring their impact.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic HLTA to take a leading role in behaviour, wellbeing, and personal development, helping students build the confidence, skills, and aspirations they need to thrive in school and in life.

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Trimdon Hill School is an independent specialist school in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, supporting pupils aged 4-11 with autism and associated complex needs. Opened in June 2025, we provide a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where every child is supported to SHINE. Our personalised, autism-informed curriculum develops communication, social interaction, and curiosity through rich, inclusive learning.

Working closely with families and clinical professionals, we support each child's progress, independence, and readiness for the next stage of education.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.