Higher Level Teaching Assistant (TA) - Term Time - Special Needs Position

Danecourt School, Gillingham

• Ref:MED887-7031-195S
• Posted:07/01/2026
• Pay:Grade C2 ( Point 12 - 25) + SEN Allowance
• Start Date:ASAP
• App Close Date:30/01/2026 at 10:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Join Danecout School as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)! 

From supporting to leading — a hands-on role where you’ll help every child thrive!

Hours: 37 hours per week (8:30 - 4.45 am Mon - Thurs; 8:30 - 4:15 Fri) OR (8:15am - 4:30pm - Mon - Thurs, 8:15am - 4pm Friday)

About the Role

As an HLTA at Danecourt, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional learning experiences, working alongside a skilled teaching team to:

• Lead learning activities for individuals, small groups, or whole classes under the guidance of a qualified teacher.
• Support the planning, preparation, and delivery of engaging lessons tailored to meet the unique needs of our students.
• Monitor and assess pupil progress, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.
• Take initiative and lead the classroom in the teacher's absence and during teacher PPA time, ensuring continuity and consistency in learning.
• Working collaboratively with class teams, therapists and the SENDCo to embed tailored strategies
• Championing inclusion, emotional regulation, and pupil voice throughout the school day

An HLTA qualification is desirable but not essential. 

Who you Are

We’re looking for someone who:

• Passionate about teaching and committed to giving children the best possible learning experiences.
• HLTA status or equivalent experience (Level 4 or above desirable)
• Experience delivering whole-class teaching, ideally in a SEND or inclusive setting
• Confidence in supporting children with complex needs, including communication and sensory processing differences
• Skilled in delivering targeted intervention programmes, particularly in communication, literacy, and numeracy

What We Offer 

Danecourt offers a welcoming and inclusive environment where support staff are valued as key members of the team. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• Clear development pathways, including opportunities to move from HLTA to teacher through our grow our own’ approach or other specialist roles
• Access to regular training, including weekly CPD for support staff to build confidence and expertise
• Personalised learning plans tailored to meet each pupil’s specific needs
• Join a school that is proud to be the Winner of the Primary Special School Provision category at the Medway Parents and Carers Forum SEND Awards.

Ready to Make a Difference?

We’d love to welcome you for a visit — come and see what makes Danecourt so special. Please contact the school office on 01634 232589 to arrange.

You’ll find more about the role, school, and Trust in the Candidate Information Pack attached.  Apply now via My New Term — we may interview and appoint as applications are received, so don’t delay!

Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  We embrace diversity and equal opportunity, striving to build a team that reflects a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The more inclusive we are, the stronger we become.  All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks in line with the latest safeguarding guidance.

Information about the school

Danecourt School is part of the Maritime Academy Trust, an innovative partnership of schools in Greenwich, Bexley, Kent, and Medway. Across the Trust, we believe in transforming education through collaboration, creativity, and an entrepreneurial curriculum that equips children with essential life skills.

At Danecourt, we are proud to be a specialist primary school for pupils with a wide range of needs — including complex learning difficulties and autism. Every child here is valued, supported, and challenged to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to help all pupils become “STARS” -

S - Self reliant T - Team Players A - Aspirational R - Resilient S - Successful

We achieve this through a personalised curriculum tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our highly trained and dedicated staff have the highest expectations for every pupil — celebrating difference, encouraging curiosity, and unlocking potential in every lesson.

Collaboration sits at the heart of all we do. We work closely with families, carers, and specialist agencies to ensure every child thrives academically, emotionally, and socially. Pupil progress and achievement are celebrated in meaningful ways that reflect the uniqueness of each learner.

If you’re interested in joining our community, we warmly welcome you to visit us — meet our pupils and staff, see our approach in action, and experience the truly special atmosphere that defines Danecourt School.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Maritime Academy Trust
• Address:50 John Harrison Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0BG
• Telephone: 020 8858 0394
• Email: recruitment@maritimeacademytrust.org

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Application Pack