Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Job description

Are you an empathetic, driven Higher Level Teaching Assistant with a passion for social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) support? Do you believe every child deserves a safe, predictable, and nurture-focused environment to flourish?
RECRUITMENTiQ is working in partnership with co-educational school to assist in their search for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in St Helens. You will be an exceptional Nurture and Family Engagement Lead and spearhead our dedicated Nurture provision acting as a crucial bridge between home and school. In this pivotal role, you will empower vulnerable pupils, support families through challenges, and drive positive whole-school outcomes.
The Impact You Will Make
As our Nurture & Family Engagement Lead, you will manage our dedicated Nurture setting and deliver targeted pastoral care to children with SEND and SEMH needs.
Lead Nurture Provision: Plan and deliver high quality Nurture Group sessions following established Nurture Principles. Track social and emotional progress using assessment tools.
Provide Targeted Pastoral Interventions: Deliver 1:1 and small-group sessions focused on emotional regulation, anxiety management and self-esteem. Deliver crisis de escalation and safe space support when children need it most.
Bridge Home & School: Build trusting, non-judgmental relationships with parents and carers. Lead Early Help assessments, run informal family workshops/coffee mornings and conduct home visits to boost attendance and engagement.
Multi-Agency & Safeguarding Leadership: Work closely with the SENCO, DSL, and external agencies (CAMHS, Educational Psychologists, Social Care) to wrap cohesive support around vulnerable children.
Champion Whole-School Practice: Model and share trauma-informed, nurture-focused strategies with teaching staff to foster an inclusive school culture.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and skilled professional who brings:
Qualifications & Experience: HLTA status (or equivalent) with proven experience supporting children with SEND and SEMH needs within a primary or nurture setting.
Nurture Expertise: Strong working knowledge of Nurture Principles, attachment theory, trauma-informed approaches, and assessment tools (e.g., Boxall Profile).
Family-First Approach: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage hard-to-reach families with empathy, diplomacy, and respect.
Safeguarding Integrity: A robust understanding of safeguarding procedures, CPOMS recording, and multi-agency processes (TAC/TAF, CIN, CP).
Crisis Resilience: Calm under pressure, with strong emotional de-escalation skills and a proactive approach to pupil well-being.
What's on Offer
A warm, inclusive school community committed to nurturing every child's potential.
A dedicated, well-resourced Nurture Room environment.
Ongoing professional development, training, and career progression opportunities.
A supportive leadership team that prioritizes staff well-being and mental health.
How to Apply
If you are ready to lead a high-impact provision and change outcomes for our children and families, we would love to hear from you.
Click the apply button to complete an application form.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Newton-le-Willows

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

14-10-2026

Profession type

Teaching / Instructors / Guides

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English