New Silksworth Academy as part of Extol Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and will ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people.

Any post at our school is subject to safer recruitment measures and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended) and requires an Enhanced check to be made through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.

Applicants must have the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of any role advertised with confidence through the medium of English.

New Silksworth Academy currently have the following vacancies:

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

New Silksworth Infant Academy and New Silksworth Junior Academy (Extol Trust)

Grade: Band 9 Salary: £31,537 (pro rata) Actual: £27,247

Hours: 37hrs per week. Term Time only 190 days + 5 additional days. Permanent.

Key Dates:

Closing Date: Friday 19 June 2026

Shortlisting and Interviews: W/B 22nd June 2026

We are seeking to appoint enthusiastic, skilled and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) to work across New Silksworth Infant and Junior Academies as part of Extol Trust.

This is an exciting opportunity for dedicated professionals who are passionate about supporting children to achieve their very best. We are looking for individuals who are deeply motivated by the opportunity to work with a diverse range of learners. In this role, you will play a crucial part in championing inclusive education, with a particular focus on supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to thrive both academically and socially.

The role is varied and rewarding and may include leading learning for individuals, groups and whole classes where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities The successful candidates will:

• Deliver high-quality, inclusive teaching and learning support across the curriculum.
• Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities that are thoughtfully tailored for individuals, groups and whole classes.
• Champion our pupils with SEND, creatively adapting teaching methods, environments and resources to help them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.
• Monitor, assess and record pupil progress, providing accurate feedback to shape future learning.
• Promote positive behaviour, total inclusion and pupil engagement across both academies.
• Deliver targeted intervention programmes that accelerate pupil progress, particularly for those with diverse or additional needs.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, the SENDCO, parents/carers and external agencies to ensure every child receives comprehensive and highly personalised support.
• Contribute positively to the wider life and ethos of the school. 

Applicants should have:

• HLTA status or Qualified Teacher Status.
• Significant experience working with children in an educational setting.
• A genuine passion and high motivation for working with a diverse range of needs, particularly pupils with SEND.
• Strong knowledge of effective, inclusive teaching and learning strategies.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to build highly positive, supportive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• High expectations of behaviour, achievement and inclusion for all children, regardless of their starting points or specific needs.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Desirable: Proven experience in delivering targeted SEND interventions and adapting curriculum materials to suit diverse learners is highly desirable.

What We Offer:

• An inclusive, supportive team environment where collaboration and staff wellbeing are highly valued.
• Excellent CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and training opportunities, particularly around inclusive practice and SEND support.
• A vibrant, ambitious school environment where you can make a measurable, meaningful difference to children’s daily lives.
• Dedicated and welcoming staff teams across the Trust.
• A culture built on teamwork, inclusion, and high expectations for all.

Safeguarding Information:

New Silksworth Academy, as part of Extol Trust, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants.

Requesting an Application Form:

Application form and further details are available via the New Silksworth Academy website https://www.newsilksworthacademy.co.uk/vacancies/

Personal information provided on application forms will be retained and used in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018 and other legislative provisions. Please review our Privacy Policy at
https://www.newsilksworthacademy.co.uk/vacancies/

Please email completed application forms FAO the Headteacher, Emma Robins to:
valerie.flynn@newsilksworthacademy.co.uk or post to New Silksworth Academy, Blind Lane, New Silksworth, Sunderland, SR3 1AS. Correct postage costs are the responsibility of the applicant.