Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Key Dates

Deadline for Applications: 10/04/26

Interview Date: 21/04/2026 & 22/04/2026

Are you ready to be a Life Changer?

Do you aspire to make a positive impact on a child's life?

At Compass Community, we prioritize children through our innovative therapeutic methods. Our core values of Integrity, Courage, and Care guide our operations. We emphasize deep listening, mutual challenge, and collaborative problem-solving.

This is the mission we pursue, and we invite you to be part of it.

Who we are

We are a specialized SEND school dedicated to providing meaningful education for students aged 6 to 16. Our therapeutic learning environment caters to young individuals who have faced challenges in traditional educational settings. Located in a serene, rural area south of Colchester, Essex, CCS Pembroke Park features a purpose-built facility equipped with sensory rooms, therapy spaces, and diverse subject areas. We also offer outdoor areas for students to enjoy recreational activities during breaks and physical education classes.

Person Specification:

• Level 2 literacy and numeracy (equivalent to GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above)
• Significant experience as a teaching assistant
• Proven contributions to learning, including leading interventions or supporting behavior
• Preferable: Level 4 (or equivalent) qualification for Higher Level Teaching Assistants (or a related field) issued by a recognized awarding body.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds, all facing Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH), and many also have additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication challenges. Many have experienced considerable trauma and adverse childhood experiences, and may have involvement with social care.

The work we do is both diverse and demanding. As a trauma and attachment-informed organization, we provide comprehensive therapeutic training and support for all staff.

Our collaborative approach places the child at the forefront of decision-making, promoting cooperation among education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams, and, most importantly, our students to achieve exceptional outcomes for everyone.

The Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at our school, you will find that no two days are alike, just as no two children are the same. Our students need dedicated adults who can assist them with complex and challenging behaviors.

You will understand that our children require significant attention, appropriate communication, consistency, flexibility, and a non-judgmental approach. Resilience, persistence, and a solution-focused mindset are essential to meet our children's needs, requiring you to wear many hats and be ready to adapt swiftly!

Our HLTAs may engage in the following activities:

• Assisting teachers in the classroom
• Working with children one-on-one or conducting small group sessions
• Managing classroom resources
• Accompanying children on outings and trips
• Sharing lunch with children who face social difficulties
• Addressing heightened behaviors and ensuring student safety
• Playing board games
• Conducting science experiments
• Creating impressive displays
• Celebrating student achievements
• Participating in therapy sessions or discussing challenging moments

We encourage our HLTAs to contribute to the decision-making processes that shape our school, enhance outcomes for children, and advocate for every student. Their insights are valued in developing both the academic curriculum and extracurricular activities, allowing them to bring their interests and passions into the mix.

Benefits and Rewards

• Staff laptop and mobile phone
• Extensive training and opportunities for professional qualifications
• Small class sizes with specialized TA support
• Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme
• Opportunity to win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards
• Service awards of £200 (after 2 years), £400 (after 4 years)

Apply via the WhatSchool platform.