Higher Level Education Assistant Full Time

Surrey’s Access to Education (A2E) service is expanding our Student Support Team and we are now seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join us on a term-time basis as Higher Level Education Assistants.

We’re open to part-time working, but all staff must be available for work between 09:00 – 16:00 on any agreed working day. All staff work on Wednesdays. We currently have opportunities available in West Surrey.

Our office bases are as follows is Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 6JD

Our Offer to You

• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About The Role

Join our team and make a real difference in the lives of Surrey’s children and young people with additional needs!

Access to Education (A2E) is a dynamic and responsive interim service providing essential educational support to children and young people who are currently unable to access their full statutory entitlement. Our students often have complex special educational needs, mental health challenges, or may display behaviours that can be difficult to manage. Many are referred to A2E throughout the year, meaning you will work with a continually changing and diverse cohort of learners.

As a Higher Level Education Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting high‑quality teaching and learning to students across East and West Surrey. The majority of your time will be spent supporting pupils in their homes or other agreed community settings. Some young people may also have medical needs that prevent them from attending school, requiring a flexible and personalised approach to learning. This is a peripatetic role, involving regular travel across the county and a significant amount of lone working. We are seeking resilient, compassionate professionals who can build trust, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to each young person’s unique needs.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• HLTA qualification or significant equivalent experience, with good understanding of factors affecting children and young people’s learning
• Experience supporting learners, including those with complex SEND, on a one‑to‑one and small‑group basis
• Ability to plan and deliver learning activities, motivate learners and support progress
• Ability to support learners to access the curriculum in line with the SEN Code of Practice and contribute to personalised provision
• Ability to monitor progress, adapt approach and produce clear reports, prioritising support for the most vulnerable learners
• Ability to work independently across a range of settings (including the home environment) and build positive, trusting relationships, communicating effectively with learners, families and professionals

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 5 questions:

• Please describe your experience of working with vulnerable or challenging students, including those with SEND needs.
• How do you plan and deliver learning activities tailored to individual learners?
• Please give an example of how you have managed a situation involving safeguarding concerns.
• How do you prioritise your workload when supporting multiple pupils with different needs?
• What strategies do you use to build positive relationships with pupils and families?

As part of the role you will need to travel throughout the area, so you will need both the willingness and ability to travel extensively around the county.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 31st May 2026 with interviews planned to follow shortly after.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Liane Coakes (West Area Lead) by email at liane.coakes@surreycc.gov.uk

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s and Adults’ Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation – Surrey County Council.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.