Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

12 hours per week, Part Time (Tuesday and Wednesdays)

Fixed Term until 31st August 2027

Term Time Only - 44.67 weeks per year

Darwen St James’ is a small Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary Academy, situated in the heart of Darwen.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a strong candidate to support teaching and learning at Darwen St James' C.E. Primary Academy. This role is varied, and we are looking for an adaptable, flexible and resourceful individual able to cope in a high-pressure environment and deal with constantly changing priorities. The successful candidate will join us at an exciting time in the life of our school and assist in meeting the personal, social and educational needs of our children.

We are looking for a highly motivated, conscientious & creative Higher Level Teaching Assistant, to join our committed & hardworking staff team, at an exciting time in the life of our school.

The successful candidate will:

• Have GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at grade C or above.

• Care passionately for all our children, no matter what their barriers are, or the challenges they bring into school

• Build professional relationships with children, staff, parents and outside agencies

• Have some knowledge and experience of safeguarding, behaviour support and pastoral support

• Lead groups and work with and support children for whom English is not their first language

• Liaise with teachers to support pupils and raise achievement

We can offer:

• A warm, friendly school, where children are at the heart of everything we do

• Delightful and polite children who are keen to learn

• Hardworking, caring and committed staff who all work to make a real difference for our children

• Supportive parents

• Opportunities to develop professionally

• Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Access to health and wellbeing support for you and your family

• Employment within a Trust committed to equality of opportunity and nationally and locally negotiated pay arrangements.

• Terms and conditions protected through a formal trade union recognition agreement with all the major education and support staff unions, and supported through regular JCNC meetings.

• Access to employee benefits & rewards through Perkbox

• Cycle to work scheme

Please ensure that you refer to the job description and person specification as only those candidates that meet the criteria will be considered for shortlisting.

Please note CVs are not accepted. To apply for this vacancy you need to complete the online MyNewTerm application form. If successful, pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS clearance will be undertaken.

If you wish to discuss this role further, please contact the office.

Closing date: Friday 6th November 2026 at 12noon

Proposed interview date: Week Commencing Monday 9th November 2026 (subject to change)

The Trust reserves the right to extend or shorten the closing date for this role.

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be carried out as part of our safer recruitment pre-employment checks on shortlisted candidates.

We are a member of Cidari Multi Academy Trust, established in November 2013, a growing educational trust and part of the Blackburn Diocese. Cidari Education is committed to providing high quality education for all children in our academies based on clearly established Christian values and principles.

Cidari Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The above post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure & Barring Service. The check will include any cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions. Further information is available below.