HLTA- Lower ability support, Secondary setting

Zen Educate is seeking a resilient, highly organised, and passionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a vibrant secondary school in Cardiff. This is a full-time, long-term position based within the school's specialised Resource Base, supporting Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 learners who are working significantly below age-related expectations.

In this role, you will be the bridge between primary-style nurture and secondary-stage preparation. You will be responsible for planning, adapting, and delivering targeted Maths and English interventions to small groups and on a 1:1 basis.

Because these learners require a high level of scaffolding, this role would perfectly suit a primary-trained teacher looking to step away from full class responsibilities, or an experienced HLTA with a strong primary background.

Key Responsibilities

• Targeted Delivery: Deliver adapted literacy, numeracy, and life-skills sessions to lower-ability learners within the Resource Base.
• Curriculum Adaptation: Take secondary curriculum topics and differentiate them down to accessible, primary-level steps (e.g., teaching fundamental phonics, reading recovery, and basic functional math).
• Classroom Cover: Confidently step in to lead the Resource Base classroom when the lead teacher is completing PPA or intervention planning.
• TA Collaboration & Leadership: Work alongside a supporting Teaching Assistant assigned to your sessions. You will be responsible for guiding and directing them on how best to deploy their support to maximise learner engagement and classroom efficiency.
• Behaviour & Pastoral Support: Utilise positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques to support learners who may exhibit frustration or anxiety due to learning barriers.
• Progress Tracking: Collaborate closely with the ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) to monitor student progress, update Individual Education Plans (IEPs/IDPs), and feedback to parents.

The Ideal Candidate

• Ideally Primary Trained (QTS or Level 4/5 HLTA status): You possess a deep understanding of how fundamental reading, writing, and mathematical concepts are formed (KS1/KS2 framework).
• Secondary Adaptability: You have the maturity and presence to manage and build rapport with adolescent learners (ages 11–16).
• Leadership Capabilities: Ability to effectively direct and mentor a classroom Teaching Assistant, ensuring they understand how to best support both you and the specific needs of the children in the class.
• ALN Experience: Proven experience supporting learners with diverse additional learning needs, such as Autism, ADHD, Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), or speech and language delays.
• Strong Team Player: Excellent communication skills to work alongside a dedicated team of Teaching Assistants, specialised teachers, and external agencies.

What the School Offers

• A welcoming, well-funded Resource Base with excellent sensory and academic provisions.
• Outstanding mentorship from an experienced ALNCo and senior leadership team.
• A genuine opportunity for the role to extend into a permanent contract for the new academic year starting September 2026.
• Free ongoing professional development and safe-guarding top-up training.