Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Fixed Term

Smarden Primary School, Ashford

  • Ref:KCC886-2288-98S
  • Posted:09/10/2025
  • Pay: KR06 £25,127 FTE (Estimated actual £19,067)
  • Start Date:05.01.2026
  • App Close Date:09/11/2025 at 12:00
  • Interviews:18.11.2025

Advert

(Y)Our Opportunity

We are looking for an inspirational Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our supportive and collaborative team.  You will assist in the delivery of engaging and innovative teaching within the classroom, on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.  Working with the teacher you will assist with the development of appropriate resources, schemes of work and teaching strategies to ensure provisions support individual learning needs.  

This is  a fixed term contract until 22nd July 2026

This is no ordinary job, this is an opportunity to be part of something amazing, to inspire children and really make a difference.  It’s not necessarily your experience that we’re most interested in, it’s your passion and commitment to our mission, ensuring every child, whatever their background, receives a high quality education. 

You will be extremely well supported, working alongside a devoted and inspiring team of teachers.  This is a great role for someone who is looking to take their first steps into an exciting and rewarding career in education.

We are looking for someone who is:

  • A great communicator who develops positive relationships with young children
  • Understanding of the educational, welfare and social needs of the children whom we are supporting
  • Enthusiastic and committed to working as part of a team
  • Consistent in a calm and fair approach
  • Committed to raise the achievement of all students of all abilities
  • Passionate and dedicated in helping children reach their academic potential

Investing in our employees wellbeing and career development is a priority for us, we can offer you:

  • Excellent ongoing CPD, career development and vast promotion opportunities across the trust
  • Coaching and mentoring from the academy’s experienced leadership team
  • A comprehensive induction programme
  • Friendly and supportive environment, where everyone is committed to a work life balance
  • The opportunity to be part of exciting development and innovative change
  • Access to trust resources and materials to help plan and deliver great lessons
  • Cycle to work scheme 
  • TKAT Widerwallet discount program with a wealth of discounts
  • Free eye tests              
  • Employee Assistance Programme - free & confidential advice on a variety of subjects ranging from physical and mental health to financial help

Information about the school

Founded in 1716, Smarden original school building is at the heart of the beautiful village. The building at the front dates back to 1858. In 2014/2015, the school underwent extensive refurbishment and new building works. This was a wonderful opportunity for the school and was part of the Priority School Building Programme.

Four new, large classrooms were built to the rear of the old building and we are now able to deliver a 21st century learning environment within a new single-storey building, a new link corridor connecting the two buildings together and a new outdoor space with provision for games, social use and outdoor classrooms.

We also have a wooded area on site where we run Forest School, allowing the children to embrace the outdoors as an inspirational learning environment.

We offer the best learning environment for children ages 2-11. We endeavor to instill the best teaching methods for our articulate and intelligent pupils. We follow the Discover-Explore-Create curriculum, allowing them to be inquisitive and critical thinkers, always giving their best.

In September 2019, Smarden Nursery became part of Smarden Primary School and the wider TKAT family. Smarden Nursery has provided childcare for the village and local area for over 25 years in various formats. Merging with Smarden Primary School has helped to secure the long term future of the setting.

We aim for our children to develop lifelong skills, the ability to take responsibility for their own learning so that they can face future challenges with confidence. We pride ourselves on providing a happy, caring, supportive and positive learning atmosphere where each child can achieve success. We actively encourage partnership between parents and our local community. We live by our values; Ambition, Respect, Kindness.

Job Contact Information

  • Name:Mrs Speight
  • Address:Pluckley Road, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27 8ND
  • Telephone: 01233 770316
  • Email: office@smarden-tkat.org

Fax: 01233 770316

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.