Teaching Assistant

Who we are

We are a specialized SEND school dedicated to providing purposeful education for students aged 6 to 16. Our focus is on delivering education within a therapeutic setting for young individuals who have faced difficulties in traditional educational environments. CCS Pembroke Park is situated in a serene, rural area south of Colchester, Essex, in a purpose-built facility that includes sensory and therapy spaces, as well as classrooms for various subjects. Our outdoor areas are utilized for recreation during breaks and PE lessons.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds, all possessing Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many also experience additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism, ADHD, and communication challenges.

The nature of our work is both diverse and demanding. As an organization informed by trauma and attachment principles, we ensure that all staff receive comprehensive therapeutic training and ongoing support.

Our collaborative approach centers the child in decision-making, allowing education and therapy professionals, parents and carers, local authority teams, and, most importantly, our students to work together to achieve outstanding outcomes.

The Role

Teaching Assistants at our school understand that each day is unique, and every child presents different needs. Our students require dedicated adults who can assist with complex and challenging behaviors.

TAs in our institution recognize that our children need ample attention, tailored communication, consistency, flexibility, and a non-judgmental attitude. They must be resilient, persistent, and solution-oriented to effectively meet the needs of our pupils, adapting their approach as circumstances change!

Our Teaching Assistants will:
- Support teaching and learning
- Work with children one-on-one or in small groups
- Manage classroom resources
- Accompany children on educational trips and outings
- Share lunch with children who face social challenges
- Possess a solid basic understanding of English and Maths
- Ensure the safety of children during heightened behavioral situations, employing strong behavior management skills and excellent communication
- Create, play, and teach games to enhance social skills and further learning
- Design engaging displays that support teaching and foster an exceptional learning environment
- Celebrate each child's successes
- Participate in therapeutic training sessions and reflect on challenging experiences

Our TAs are integral members of our team. We value their contributions to decision-making processes that drive our school, enhance outcomes for children, and advocate for every student. We encourage their input in shaping both the academic curriculum and extracurricular opportunities, allowing them to bring their own interests and passions to the forefront.

Benefits and Rewards
- Opportunities for career development and growth within Compass Community
- Competitive salary
- Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
- Small class sizes with specialized TA support
- The chance to be part of an expanding national organization that recognizes talent, effort, and potential while fostering its own leadership teams
- Flexible pension options
- Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
- Employee benefit services, including access to wellbeing programs and salary sacrifice schemes

We review applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the advertisement early if suitable candidates are identified.