Higher Level Teaching Assistant
This is a Permanent, Part Time - Term Time Only vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
About this Role
Merley First School is looking for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our fantastic team. Could this be you?
Actual Salary £10,235 - £11,608 per annum per annum (Grade 9)
This job is Part Time - Term Time Only for 13 hours per week and 39 weeks per year.
It is offered on a Permanent basis.
Approximate start date 14-Dec-2026.
Merley First School is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and capable Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team.
This is a permanent position for two days per week, 8.30 to 15.30, which may be subject to change according to business need.
The HLTA role is there to cover the class teacher’s PPA and other release time. The position will be working in the classroom delivering agreed learning activities in the teacher’s absence, supporting the children and enabling them to achieve their full learning potential. There will be some element of planning lessons but all activities will be under the supervision of the class teacher. An HLTA must be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and understanding to help pupils make progress with their learning and enable them to achieve their full learning potential. Experience of working with children in a school environment is essential
We are looking for someone who:
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is willing to embrace, support and develop the ethos of our school
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is able to work on their own initiative and as part of a team, committed to achieving the best possible outcome for our children
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can lead, inspire and motivate children in line with the school’s vision and values
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can work creatively with the curriculum to assist in all aspects of children's learning
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can provide support, care and supervision of pupils within the school, promoting positive expectations of pupils’ behaviour
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has positive and mutually supportive relationships with colleagues
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relish opportunities to develop their own practice
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has good interpersonal and communication skills
Please refer to the attached job description for more details about the role.
If you have any further questions, please contact the recruiting manager Nikki Daunt 01202 888455 or by emailing recruitment@merleyfirstschool.org
Closing date: Wednesday 25th November 2026
Interview Date: Friday 4th December 2026
Please Note: the actual salary shown is based on the number of hours and weeks worked and paid annual leave entitlement for an employee with under 5 years' service.
About our School
Merley First School is a two form entry First School set on the outskirts of Wimborne, and is part of Initio Learning Trust. It is a vibrant school that is well resourced; has extensive opportunities for outdoor learning; has a happy, friendly and supportive staff team, a commitment to professional development and eager children who want to do their best.
For more information please visit our school website
We welcome visits to our school - if you would like to arrange a visit or require more information, please refer to the contact details above.
Initio Learning Trust provides:
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A supportive and welcoming environment with a genuine commitment to professional development.
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A flexible, equal opportunities workplace.
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Access to the local government or teachers pension scheme.
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Employee benefits including a Health Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme.
About Initio Learning Trust
Initio Learning Trust is a multi-academy trust based in Dorset. We are responsible and accountable for the education of over 7000 pupils from 3 to 19 years of age and for the employment and support of over 1000 staff in 19 schools across Dorset, from Bridport in the West of the county to Verwood in the East.
We believe in enabling every person to thrive within their role, and our core values of Ambition, Collaboration and Respect underpin the pride we take in offering genuine professional development opportunities for all our staff; and in our focus on staff wellbeing.
Working for Us
Initio Learning Trust is a Disability Confident Committed Employer and aims to provide an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you would like to discuss any changes or support you may need as part of this process, please call or email the recruiting manager (see contact details above).
Initio Learning Trust values and respects the diversity of our workforce, and encourages employees to be their unique selves. Having a diverse and inclusive workforce underpins our core values of collaboration, ambition and respect, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, social background, religion or belief. Applicant shortlisting is done without reference to any personal data including your name.
Applying for a job with us - other things you need to know
This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be verified.
Initio Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
In line with current safer recruitment guidance, we may collect further information for applicants who are shortlisted for interview including criminal record and social media checks, references and verification of qualifications.
All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.
We are covered by the ‘Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975’, which means that we are allowed to ask all candidates to disclose both spent and unspent cautions and criminal convictions to us when applying for a vacancy (except for those which are considered ‘protected’ under the Act).
Anyone who is barred from engaging in regulated activity with children should not apply for any of our vacancies, as doing so may be an offence—which we will report to the Police.
If shortlisted for an interview you will be required to disclose cautions and criminal convictions (except for those which are considered ‘protected’ under the Act).
Please refer to this Caution and Conviction checker for guidance on what needs to be disclosed:
Caution or conviction - Check when to disclose cautions or convictions - GOV.UK
Further information can be found on the Ministry of Justice website:
Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 - GOV.UK
Fluency in English is required for all student and public-facing roles, in accordance with the “fluency duty” (Immigration Act 2016). Please refer to the Job Description for further details.
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