SEN - Hlta

PSHE Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

• Location: Tower Hamlets, London
• Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (Term Time Only, 08:30 - 16:30)

We are seeking a dedicated PSHE Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our team on a temporary basis. This role is crucial in planning, delivering, and evaluating bespoke, trauma-informed PSHE, RSE, and Life Skills learning opportunities across our school, specifically tailored for young people with complex SEMH needs.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Curriculum Planning & Delivery:

• Plan and teach engaging, highly adapted PSHE/RSE lessons that account for varying emotional ages, cognitive abilities, and sensory needs.

• Provide scheduled or emergency HLTA cover for class teachers, maintaining a calm, low-arousal, and structured learning space.

• Deliver sensitive and vital topics appropriately, including emotional literacy, self-regulation, mental health awareness, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, consent, online safety, substance abuse, financial literacy, career preparation, and independent living skills.

• Create accessible visual aids, social stories, and practical activities to break down abstract social concepts.

• SEMH Support & Emotional Regulation:

• Model and teach self-regulation strategies to students experiencing distress or emotional dysregulation during sessions.

• Run structured 1:1 or small-group social skills programs.

• Lead restorative conversations between peers following relational conflict or behavioural incidents.

• Safeguarding & Multi-Agency Collaboration:

• Act as a key sensory radar for safeguarding concerns, ensuring immediate logging on CPOMS.

• Work alongside the Head of Post 16 and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to align PSHE topics with individual student EHCP outcomes and safety plans.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) training.
• Substantial experience working with children/young people with complex SEMH, trauma, ASC/ADHD, or challenging behaviour.
• Experience planning and delivering learning activities/group work independently.
• Direct experience delivering PSHE, RSE, or life skills programs.
• Experience working in a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) setting, PRU, or Alternative Provision.
• Deep understanding of the UK Statutory RSE & Health Education guidance.
• Strong grasp of trauma-informed practice, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and de-escalation methods.
• High emotional intelligence, active listening skills, and patience.
• Ability to handle highly sensitive disclosures professionally.
• Creative, adaptable, and resourceful mindset.

To apply for the PSHE Higher Level Teaching Assistant position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position.