Higher Level Teaching Assistant- Literacy Focus (Willingdon Community School)

Job Description

Hours of work: 34 hours per week
Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)
(As the position is part-time/term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: 18 November 2026 noon

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Willingdon Community School (Broad Rd, Eastbourne BN20 9QX)
Phone: 01323485254
Email: recruitment@willingdonschool.org.uk
Website: http://willingdonschool.org.uk/about-us/vacancies

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

HLTA - Literacy Focus

Single Status Grade 8 £31,077 - £33,125 per annum (pro rata)

Actual pro rata salary range: £24,672 - £26,298 per annum

34 hours per week / 39 weeks per year

(paid for 45.05 weeks per year to include holiday entitlement of 6.05 weeks)

Are you passionate about improving literacy and helping young people unlock their full potential?

We are seeking an ambitious and highly skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Literacy Focus) to join our successful and supportive team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced HLTA, Teaching Assistant, literacy specialist or qualified teacher looking for a role focused on raising literacy standards and improving outcomes for students.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving literacy across the school through targeted intervention, classroom support and the delivery of high-quality learning activities.

We are looking for someone who can:

• Deliver impactful literacy interventions that accelerate student progress

• Support students to develop the reading, writing and communication skills needed for success across the curriculum
• Work collaboratively with teachers to plan, deliver and evaluate learning activities
• Lead learning for individuals, small groups and whole classes when appropriate
• Contribute to the school's wider literacy strategy and culture of reading
• Have a positive impact on student achievement, helping to maximise life chances and future opportunities
  

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold HLTA status, a relevant educational qualification, or equivalent experience

• Have experience of supporting teaching and learning in a school setting
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of literacy development and effective intervention strategies
• Be committed to raising aspirations and improving outcomes for all students
• Be willing to undertake HLTA training where required

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant difference to students' literacy development while working as part of a committed and ambitious team. It would particularly suit an experienced practitioner or qualified teacher seeking a specialist role with a focus on intervention, student progress and school improvement.

If you are passionate about literacy and want to make a lasting difference to young people, we would love to hear from you.

Our Vision Statement:

We are Willingdon

We are a united, vibrant community which demonstrates personal excellence in all that we do. Learning at Willingdon transforms lives by igniting curiosity and expecting the very best from staff and students alike. We value opportunities, aiming for success today to prepare for challenges and opportunities tomorrow. We are respectful, compassionate and courteous to empower each other on our unique learning journeys. We look after ourselves and each other, and show empathy, respect and compassion to all people and our environment along the way. We encourage tolerance, resilience and reflection, which in turn allows everyone to make progress every lesson. We work together as a harmonious community to be the very best versions of ourselves.

This makes us Willingdon.

Staff wellbeing is of paramount importance to us at Willingdon Community School. We can offer the successful candidate:

• A clear purpose. We are here to develop personal excellence and help staff and students be the very best versions of themselves.

• Lots of opportunities to observe others and feedback. We don’t grade lessons and feedback is developmental.

• Regular opportunities for staff voice directly to the Headteacher.

• On appointment, a full induction day is arranged to ensure you are supported with the transition to your new role.

• 50% off Benenden Health Care scheme.

• Opportunity to join Bupa Dental Plan which provides varying contributions to NHS and private dental services.

• Regular Mindfulness sessions to enhance your work-life balance.

• We offer Mental Health First Aid to all staff which is a two day qualification.

• An Employee Assistance Programme via the County Council, this service is provided by ‘PAM Wellness’, they offer advice, information, emotional support and counselling.

• Annual Flu Vaccination is provided in the autumn term and paid for by the school.

• Access to the ESCC My Staff Shop which gives access to a wide range of tax efficient benefits and discounts from national and local businesses.

• The Love 2 shop membership card (linked to My Staff Shop) is a reloadable gift card which can be spent at a number of major retailers.

• Bike Scheme, this is a salary sacrifice scheme that produces a saving of up to 32% compared to buying a bike upfront.

• A free coffee machine is ready for you during break and lunch time.

• Invitations to whole school social events such as our Christmas party which is subsidised as a thank you to staff, and other gatherings to celebrate success.

• Local business discounts for Willingdon Community School staff.

• And more!
  

We believe that happy staff make happy children and therefore do our upmost to support our staff.

Willingdon Community School is committed to child protection/safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this duty of care. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment procedures and will require satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

We advise applying promptly for our vacancies as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.

Interview details will be sent to shortlisted candidates only.

To apply for this post, please download and complete the application form from the school website: http://willingdonschool.org.uk/about-us/vacancies or, email: recruitment@willingdonschool.org.uk

About us

Additional Information
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.
All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.