Life Skills HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.

That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW - and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join .

Job Title: Life Skills HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)

Location: Kestrel House School, Crouch End, London N8 9EA

Salary: £25,882.00 per annum

Hours: 36 hours per week

Work Pattern: Monday - Tuesday: 8.15am - 4.15pm Wednesday: 8.15pm - 4.00pm Thursday: 8.15am - 3.45pm Friday: 8.15am - 3.30pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: November 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Kestrel House School, part of Options Autism, we're dedicated to empowering learners with special educational needs through personalised, meaningful education. Now, we're searching for a passionate Life Skills HLTA to lead the way in developing the real-world skills that matter most.

This is your chance to step into a high-impact, whole-school role where you'll teach, lead, and inspire - helping our pupils gain the independence, confidence, and practical knowledge they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

About the Role

This is more than a support role - it's your chance to own a whole-school initiative, work closely with an expert team, and inspire pupils to gain the tools they need to thrive beyond the classroom.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead engaging Life Skills lessons across the school - cooking, communication, money management, personal care, and more
• Work closely with class teachers to embed life skills into everyday learning
• Support pupils one-to-one and in small groups, helping them access learning and feel successful
• Deliver scheduled teacher cover in half-day blocks, including your own Life Skills lesson plans
• Promote independence, self-esteem and social inclusion in every session
• Use your knowledge and creativity to plan structured, motivating activities
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive and stimulating learning environment

Who We're Looking For

You're enthusiastic, adaptable, and passionate about preparing pupils for the real world. You enjoy taking the lead, being hands-on, and working with purpose. Most importantly, you put the needs of learners at the heart of everything you do.

You'll Need:

• Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning (ideally in an SEN setting)
• GCSE English and Maths or equivalent
• Experience working with children or young people
• Confidence in planning and delivering learning activities (under supervision or independently)
• A strong understanding of inclusion, behaviour strategies, and SEND support

About Us

Kestrel House School is a Special Educational Needs (SEN) School. We help educate and support pupils who have complex needs and specialise in the communication and learning challenges associated with Autism.

We want each pupil at Kestrel House School to achieve their own ambitions and to live fulfilling and productive lives. We want you to encourage everyone to achieve their potential and dream big, despite of any challenges you or they may face. This can be achieved by assisting and supporting the class teachers with the agreed learning plans, whilst also being responsible for safeguarding the pupils. This will include making sure they are healthy, safe and as comfortable as possible and assisting with the physical, emotional, educational and personal care needs for each individual.

The site is in London, Haringey Borough within Crouch End area, quite close to central London. The location has the advantage of easy access to public transport, having the over ground station located 5 to 10 min walk away from the school and a 2 bus stops right outside of the school front gates.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.