Therapy Assistant (HLTA)

Job Details

Are you an enthusiastic and qualified Therapy Assistant (HLTA) looking for a rewarding permanent role in Newbury? This position offers a competitive salary of £35,000, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to provide both therapeutic and educational support to pupils with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

As an APSCo-accredited specialist education recruitment agency, Magisters Education has been connecting outstanding educators with great schools across the United Kingdom for over two decades and this dual role combines the responsibilities of a Therapy Assistant and Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support pupils' academic progress.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Therapy Assistant (HLTA) within a Magisters Alternative Provision in Newbury, you will be expected to:

• Deliver therapeutic interventions, including solution-focused brief therapy and drawing and talking therapy, to support pupils’ emotional and mental health
• Provide both 1:1 and group interventions to help pupils re-engage with education
• Support the delivery of the curriculum, including Arts Award, Skills Builder, and core subjects using platforms such as Century Tech
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to plan, deliver, and assess learning activities
• Support the implementation of individual support plans and track pupil progress
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and their families
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to pupil reports and reviews
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and CPD opportunities
• Uphold safeguarding policies and promote the welfare of all pupils at all times

Role Requirements:

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Degree-level qualification (Psychology preferred but not essential)
• HLTA Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, particularly EBSA
• Experience delivering therapeutic interventions in an educational or similar setting
• Strong understanding of EBSA and associated barriers to learning
• Ability to support both academic learning and emotional development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good IT skills and ability to use online learning platforms
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare

Desirable Skills:

In addition to the necessary requirements, the following skills are desirable:

• Training in therapeutic approaches such as solution-focused brief therapy or drawing and talking therapy
• Experience working in alternative provision or similar settings
• Knowledge of Arts Award, Skills Builder, and Century Tech
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and behaviour support strategies

You will also demonstrate empathy, resilience, and a proactive approach, alongside a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their full potential.

Benefits of Working with Magisters Education:

As well as receiving a competitive salary of £35,000, all staff benefit from a supportive working environment and ongoing development opportunities. Magisters Education also ensures all staff receive:

• Access to a wide range of opportunities across education settings
• CPD and career development opportunities
• Refer a Friend bonus scheme
• Access to Pirkx, a dedicated wellbeing platform offering high street discounts, mental health support, and a range of additional benefits

Join Magisters Education as a Therapy Assistant (HLTA) today and take the next step in a rewarding career where your work will directly support young people to overcome barriers, re-engage with education, and thrive.