Job Description:

📍 Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester
📅 Start Date: September 2026
🕐 Hours: Full-Time
💷 Pay: £95–£110 per day, dependent on experience

Support, Inspire and Help Young Children Thrive

Smile Education is recruiting on behalf of a welcoming and inclusive primary school in Hyde, seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with Early Years experience to join their team from September 2026.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident and nurturing HLTA who is passionate about supporting young children and creating positive learning experiences. The school provides a supportive environment where children are encouraged to develop their confidence, independence and love of learning.
The successful candidate will work closely with teachers and the wider school team, supporting learning and development across the Early Years setting and helping children to reach their full potential.

The Role
As an HLTA – Early Years, you will play an important role in supporting teaching and learning within the Early Years environment.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting and delivering engaging, age-appropriate learning activities across the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Working closely with the class teacher to plan and prepare purposeful learning opportunities.
• Providing targeted support to individuals and small groups according to their learning and developmental needs.
• Creating a warm, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Supporting children's communication, language, physical, social and emotional development.
• Using play-based and creative approaches to encourage curiosity, confidence and independence.
• Observing children and contributing to assessment and progress tracking.
• Supporting children with additional learning or developmental needs where required.
• Promoting positive behaviour and maintaining high expectations across the classroom.
• Taking responsibility for learning activities or the class when required, in line with HLTA responsibilities.
• Building positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and the wider school team to ensure children receive consistent support.
• Helping to create a safe, positive and engaging environment where every child feels valued.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A recognised HLTA, Level 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent qualification.
• Strong experience working within an Early Years or primary school setting.
• A minimum of 6 months' recent UK classroom experience.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Confidence supporting learning independently and working with groups of children.
• Strong classroom and behaviour management skills.
• A nurturing, patient and child-centred approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• The confidence to take responsibility for learning activities when required.
• A genuine passion for helping young children develop, learn and succeed.

Why Work in Hyde and the Surrounding Areas?
The role is based in Hyde, Greater Manchester, making it an excellent opportunity for HLTAs and experienced Teaching Assistants living in or travelling from Hyde, Denton, Dukinfield, Stalybridge, Hattersley, Mottram-in-Longdendale, Ashton-under-Lyne, Glossop and surrounding areas.
The school is situated within an established local community and provides a welcoming primary school environment where staff work together to support children's academic, social and emotional development.
Hyde is well connected to Tameside and Greater Manchester, making this a convenient location for education professionals looking for opportunities across the surrounding area.

Requirements

• Enhanced DBS Certificate registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one through Smile Education.
• A relevant HLTA, Level 3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent qualification.
• At least 6 months' recent UK classroom experience.
• Ability to provide a full two years of employment and/or education references.
• At least one reference relating to working with children.
• Right to work in the UK.
• References should be available during the pre-screen or registration process to support a smooth compliance journey.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for these positions.

Registration & Compliance
Successful applicants will complete a registration appointment with Smile Education as part of our safeguarding and compliance process.
Once your application and required documentation have been received, we will arrange your registration appointment promptly so our compliance team can process your file efficiently and help you become available for work as quickly as possible.

Why Join Smile Education?

• September 2026 opportunities available.
• Long-term, permanent and flexible education opportunities.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your recruitment journey.
• Competitive daily pay of £95–£110, dependent on experience.
• Weekly pay.
• Access to ongoing CPD and career development.
• £100 Joining Bonus – receive £100 after completing your first 10 days of work.*
• £200 Referral Bonus – recommend a friend or colleague and earn £200 once they complete the qualifying period.*

Safeguarding Commitment
Smile Education and our partner schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

All appointments are subject to:

• Enhanced DBS checks.
• Verification of identity and qualifications.
• Employment and reference checks.
• Right to work checks.
• Online searches for shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Apply Today
If you are an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant with Early Years experience and are looking for a new opportunity in Hyde or the surrounding areas, we'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're looking for a long-term position or want to explore future opportunities across Tameside and Greater Manchester, Smile Education can support you throughout your recruitment, safeguarding and compliance journey.

SM1ENQ

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.