Job Title:                   Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Therapeutic & Learning Support

Closing Date:           15^th December at 9am

Start Date:                As soon as possible

Hours of work:        6.5 hours per day (8:30am–3:30pm), Term Time 39 Weeks.

Salary :                      £30,964 FTE (pro rata) (Actual Salary - £23,708)

Location:                   Pencalenick school

Contract type:          Permanent

Pencalenick School is a highly successful Academy Trust School that lies in the heart of Cornwall, providing high quality education and support for pupils age 11-16 with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.  The school is a member of the Special Partnership Trust, an ambitious and inspiring collaboration of specialist provision in Cornwall, with a focus on excellence in learning for everyone.

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled and motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team as a Therapeutic & Learning Support specialist. This role is central to promoting emotional wellbeing, positive relationships and readiness to learn for pupils with a range of SEMH, communication and relational needs.

You will:

• Deliver high-quality therapeutic interventions including Draw & Talk, emotional literacy work, trauma-informed sessions, and resilience-building programmes
• Work collaboratively with teachers to adapt learning, support emotional readiness and reduce barriers to engagement
• Build strong, trusting relationships rooted in safety, consistency and connection
• Lead 1:1 and small-group sessions focused on wellbeing, regulation and positive learning behaviours
• Contribute to assessment, planning and recording using systems such as Evidence for Learning
• Work alongside families, therapists and wider professionals to support the holistic needs of pupils

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a highly relational school community where belonging and aspiration sit at the heart of our work.

About You

You will:

• Have experience supporting children with SEMH, trauma, ASC or relational needs
• Use trauma-informed, relational and restorative approaches
• Communicate with clarity, warmth and emotional literacy
• Be reflective, resilient and committed to professional growth
• Share our commitment to safeguarding, equality and the values of the Special Partnership Trust

Training in therapeutic approaches (Draw & Talk, ELSA, Thrive, Trauma-Informed Practice) is desirable but not essential.

Why Join Pencalenick?

• Supportive and inclusive school culture
• Trust-wide CPD and development opportunities
• Staff wellbeing support and access to pension schemes
• A chance to make a significant difference every single day
• A team that values compassion, connection and professional curiosity

How to Apply

Please find application forms and job description attached alongside the job advert. Please send all completed application forms to secretary@pencalenick.org

In addition to your application form, please click on the following link to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Closing date: 15th December
Interview date: To be confirmed

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a visit and come and see the difference you could make.