Tradewind Recruitment is proud to be a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer!

TA / HLTA - SEMH Specialist Provision

Location: Leiston, Suffolk
Position: Teaching Assistant / Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Contract: Full-time, Temporary
Start Date: ASAP, or January 2027 if your availability does not permit an immediate start

Experienced TA or HLTA? Make a real difference to young people who need you most.

Tradewind Recruitment is currently recruiting for experienced Teaching Assistants and Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) to join a supportive specialist education setting in Leiston, Suffolk, working with secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Both experienced TAs and HLTAs will be considered for this opportunity.

This would suit an education professional who is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential. Whether you are an experienced TA looking to take on greater responsibility or an established HLTA looking for a rewarding specialist setting, we would like to hear from you.

You will play an important role in providing consistency, encouragement and positive support, helping pupils engage with their education and develop the confidence they need to succeed.

The Role

The position offers plenty of variety, with responsibilities including:

• Supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
• Supporting learning across the curriculum
• Covering lessons when required, with HLTAs taking a lead role where appropriate
• Delivering targeted interventions and small-group activities
• Supporting pupils with engagement, confidence and academic progress
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people
• Helping create a calm, structured and positive learning environment
• Working closely with teachers and the wider support team

Who Are We Looking For?

We are keen to hear from both experienced Teaching Assistants and HLTAs who have:

• Experience working in an education setting
• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs
• A calm, patient, resilient and consistent approach
• The ability to build strong and positive relationships with young people
• Confidence supporting learning and managing classroom environments
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers and succeed

HLTA status is desirable but not essential for the right experienced Teaching Assistant.

This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys a varied and hands-on position, combining classroom support, lesson delivery and targeted intervention work.

What Tradewind Can Offer You

• Sunday Times Top 100 Employer
• Access to 2,500+ CPD courses through the National College
• REC Audited Education Gold Standard
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your assignment
• Access to a wide range of education opportunities
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions
• A -100 referral bonus when you refer a friend who subsequently works 10 days with Tradewind Recruitment

Apply Today

If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant or HLTA looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can have a genuine impact on the lives of young people, we''d love to hear from you.

The role is available to start ASAP, or in January 2027 if your current availability does not permit an immediate start.

Apply today to find out more about this rewarding opportunity in Leiston, Suffolk.

Why Tradewind?

With 25+ years of experience supporting schools and education professionals, Tradewind Recruitment understands the importance of finding the right environment for both candidates and schools.

You''ll have a dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your assignment, helping you find opportunities that match your experience, ambitions and career goals.