Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Hydrotherapy Specialist HLTA - SEN School, Northampton Tradewind Recruitment Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a compassionate, skilled and enthusiastic Hydrotherapy Specialist HLTA to join a welcoming specialist school in Northampton. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), complex physical needs and associated medical needs. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering safe, engaging and individualised hydrotherapy programmes, working closely with teaching staff, therapists, support staff and families. You will help pupils access the physical, sensory, emotional and social benefits of hydrotherapy, ensuring every session is purposeful, inclusive and tailored to individual targets. Your responsibilities will include preparing the hydrotherapy pool and equipment, supporting pupils safely in and around the water, following individual care plans and risk assessments, monitoring pupil wellbeing throughout sessions, and maintaining accurate records of progress. You will also contribute to the wider classroom and school environment, helping pupils develop confidence, communication, mobility, independence and enjoyment. This role would suit an experienced HLTA, hydrotherapy assistant, swimming instructor, therapy assistant or support professional with a genuine interest in supporting children with complex needs. Previous experience working with pupils with SEN, PMLD, physical disabilities, autism or medical needs is highly desirable. A recognised hydrotherapy qualification, pool safety training or relevant moving and handling experience would be advantageous, although training may be available for the right candidate. We are looking for someone who is calm, patient and proactive, with excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to safeguarding. You must be able to work sensitively with pupils who may communicate in different ways, including through eye gaze, gestures, symbols, communication aids and sensory responses. In return, Tradewind Recruitment offers competitive rates of pay, ongoing professional development, dedicated support from an experienced consultant and access to a range of education opportunities across Northamptonshire. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of children with SEND and would like to bring your hydrotherapy expertise to a supportive school community, apply today through Tradewind Recruitment.