HLTA

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – PMLD & SLD Specialist

Location: Leicester Hospital School
Contract: 1‑year fixed term
Start date: After Easter 2026
Hours: Full‑time (term‑time only)

About Us

Leicester Hospital School provides high‑quality education for children and young people receiving treatment within Leicester’s hospitals or accessing our provision due to medical needs. Our pupils present a wide range of abilities, and we are committed to ensuring every learner-no matter their circumstances-has access to personalised, meaningful and ambitious education.

We are seeking a passionate and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with strong experience supporting pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) to join our dedicated team.

The Role

As an HLTA, you will play a key role in delivering high‑quality learning experiences, ensuring that pupils with complex needs receive tailored, compassionate and effective support. You will work closely with teachers, healthcare professionals and families to create an engaging curriculum and provide consistent, therapeutic support.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead small‑group and one‑to‑one learning activities for pupils with PMLD and SLD.
• Support class teachers with planning, adapting and delivering accessible, personalised learning.
• Use specialist communication approaches (e.g. AAC, Intensive Interaction, sensory communication strategies).
• Implement sensory‑based and therapeutic learning programmes.
• Contribute to EHCP targets, assessments and progress monitoring.
• Foster a calm, safe and nurturing learning environment within a medical setting.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with pupils, families and the wider multidisciplinary team.

About You

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, resilient and committed to inclusive practice.

Essential:

• HLTA qualification (or equivalent)
• Successful experience supporting pupils with PMLD and/or SLD
• Skilled in sensory‑based and highly differentiated learning approaches
• Strong communication skills and a calm, compassionate approach
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Understanding of safeguarding and medical‑needs contexts

Desirable:

• Experience in hospital‑based or medical‑needs education
• Training in Makaton, PECS, AAC, MOVE, or other specialist frameworks
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed and therapeutic approaches

What We Offer

• A warm, supportive and highly skilled team
• Opportunities for professional development in SEND, trauma‑informed practice and medical‑needs education
• A unique, rewarding role making a meaningful difference to vulnerable learners
• A well‑resourced learning environment with access to specialist training

How to Apply

Please submit your application form and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role.

T 0116 2776400