Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Compass Community; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A new independent school in Milton Keynes seeks HLTAs to support teachers and work with children facing social, emotional and mental health challenges. You will help create a caring and flexible learning environment, participate in therapy sessions, and foster positive behaviours. The role offers extensive professional training and a supportive workplace, encouraging staff to bring their passions into the curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Benefits

Staff laptop and mobile phone

Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities

Small class sizes with specialist TA support

Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme

Win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards

Service awards

Salary sacrifice schemes

Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision

Cashback for medical appointments and treatments with MediCash

Responsibilities

• Supporting teachers in the classroom.
• Working with children 1:1 or delivering sessions with small groups.
• Managing classroom resources.
• Taking children on trips and visits.
• Having lunch with children who struggle socially.
• Managing heightened behaviours and keeping children safe.
• Playing board games.
• Conducting science experiments.
• Making displays.
• Celebrating success.
• Participating in therapy sessions or reflecting on difficult periods.

Job description

Overview

Compass Community School Redwood Park in Milton Keynes is opening as a new independent day school for pupils aged 7-19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other SEND needs. The school opens September 2025 and will have a 90‑place capacity. The team works in a trauma and attachment–informed environment with extensive therapeutic training and support for all staff. Our approach centres the child in decision‑making, with collaboration among education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and the students to secure outstanding outcomes.

The Role

HLTAs at our school work in diverse and dynamic settings with children who may display complex and challenging behaviours. Candidates should understand that these children require high levels of attention, precise communication, consistency, flexibility and a non‑judgmental attitude. Successful HLTAs are resilient, persistent and solution‑focused, and able to adapt to changing circumstances.

Responsibilities

• supporting teachers in the classroom
• working with children 1:1 or delivering sessions with small groups
• managing classroom resources
• taking children on trips and visits
• having lunch with children who struggle socially
• managing heightened behaviours and keeping children safe
• playing board games
• conducting science experiments
• making displays
• celebrating success
• participating in therapy sessions or reflecting on difficult periods

Our Expectation

We want our HLTAs to contribute to decision‑making that drives the school, secure outcomes for children and advocate for every child. You will be encouraged to contribute to both the academic curriculum and opportunities in our extracurricular offer, bringing your interests and passions to the table.

Benefits And Rewards

• Staff laptop and mobile phone
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support
• Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme
• Win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards
• Service awards: £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years), £600 (10 years) plus up to £500 special recognition
• Salary sacrifice schemes, including childcare vouchers, technology and cycle to work
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• Cashback for medical appointments and treatments with MediCash

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff may be required to obtain Enhanced DBS checks or Enhanced Checks for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure and Barring Service and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All staff have a responsibility to promote safeguarding and welfare in line with the school’s policy.

Compass is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We value talent from diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences to support our children and young people.

About You

Not Specified