HLTA - The Poplars School

Job Summary

Job title: HLTA
School: The Poplars School – Part of Hexagon Care Services
Location: Houghton-Le-Spring
HLTA salary: £25,000- £27,000

Essential Criteria: Teaching Assistant Qualification + Driving Licence
Desirable Criteria:

• Experience and ability to provide intimate personal care

• Experience of planning and delivering Early Years and KS1 primary education

Closing Date: 9th July 2026
Anticipated Interview Date: 16th July 2026

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Are you passionate about supporting young people and ready for a rewarding role in a nurturing, specialist setting? If so, The Poplars School could be the fresh start you're looking for.

As part of Hexagon Care Services, The Poplars School supports up to 4 young people aged 8–18. Our pupils access a broad and balanced curriculum, including a thematic EYFS curriculum and National Curriculum programmes of study at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. As pupils progress, they may go on to access qualifications such as ASDAN, Functional Skills and GCSEs.

Our small class sizes, therapeutic approach, and dedicated team ensure that every child receives the tailored support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant with a strong understanding of learners with additional and complex needs. You will play a vital role in supporting students, both academically and emotionally through a personalised approach to education.

Key Experience & Skills:

• Previous experience as a TA or HLTA is essential

• Background in supporting young people with SEMH needs or experience in a secondary school setting is highly desirable

• A passion for engaging students in both academic and vocational subjects

• A collaborative mindset and commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary team

You’ll be supporting a small number of pupils (max. 4 per class), which allows for meaningful relationships, reduced marking and admin, and a focus on high-impact support.

What Our Ofsted Report Says:

"Staff are overwhelmingly positive about the support for their workload and well-being."

"The school has a bespoke curriculum. Pupils access learning in ways that meet their sensory and physical needs well."

"Pupils behave positively. They are respectful to staff and are accepting of each other."

In return we can we offer you:

• Small class sizes of no more than 4 students.

• A strong focus on work life balance due to; reduced student numbers, reduced level of marking and assessment.

• A 37-hour working week.

• Full access to school holidays.

• A dedicated, supportive, and enthusiastic team, who strive for the best outcomes for our students.

• A comprehensive induction programme.

• Excellent CPD provided by our own highly skilled learning and development team.

• A commitment to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of all our staff, including access to able futures and employee assistant programme.

A range of benefits including:

• Staff referral scheme

• Life assurance (4x salary)

• Electric vehicle scheme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Long service bonus

• Awards ceremony

Please note, Hexagon Care Services does not hold a sponsorship licence and as such we are unable to support any candidates who do not already have right to work. This is a permanent position, if you have right to work but with an expiry date, we are more than welcome to receive your application but please note you would only be eligible for an interim contract linked to your RTW expiry.

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