higher level teaching assistant

Compass Community Limited; Newton-le-Willows; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff laptop

Mobile phone

Professional training opportunities

Small class sizes (max 6)

Service awards and recognition

Salary sacrifice schemes

Job summary

Compass Community Schools is opening a brand new provision in Newton-le-Willows, welcoming pupils in January 2027. The HLTA will support teachers in classrooms, work with children 1:1 or in small groups, and help manage resources while delivering key aspects of the curriculum for pupils with SEMH and SEND.

Ideal candidates will bring resilience, flexibility and a calm, non-judgmental approach, with the ability to lead planning and resourcing for at least one curriculum area and contribute to

Qualifications

• Ability to lead planning, resourcing and delivery of curricula areas for pupils with special educational needs.
• Experience delivering sessions with a focus on SEMH and SEND.
• Capability to manage classroom resources and support individual pupils or small groups.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in the classroom.
• Work with children 1:1 or in small groups.
• Manage classroom resources and prepare activities.

Job description

Compass Community Schools is proud to announce the opening of a brand new school in Newton-le-Willows, set to welcome its first pupils in January 2027.

This exciting new provision reflects Compass Community Schools’ ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education for children and young people with special educational needs - in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) - and many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD and communication difficulties. Many of our pupils will have suffered significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences; and may have social care involvement.

The Role

HLTAs at our school know that no two days are the same and that no two children are the same either. Our children require very special adults who can support children with complex and challenging behaviours.

They will know that our children require lots of attention, just the right level of communication, consistency and flexibility, and a non-judgmental approach. They also need to be resilient, persistent and solution-focused - to meet the needs of our children – and, to do so, they need to wear a lot of hats and be prepared to change them at a moment’s notice!

It is also vital that those who come to join our inaugural staff team, that has been in place since 1st September 2026, recognise, appreciate and are inspired to hear that there is a teaching commitment to each of these roles so the suitable candidate must have the knowledge, experience to demonstrate the ability to deliver key aspects of the curriculum with pupils with special educational needs.

We are keen to receive applications from those who have the ability to take a lead role in the planning, resourcing and delivery of at least one of the following:

• Performing Arts,
• Computing (including either E-Sports or Computer Science),
• Humanities (Geography and/or History),
• Cooking and/or Design Technology,
• Criminology and/or Law,
• Health & Beauty (including Make Up and Hair Artistry),

Our HLTAs will be

• supporting teachers in the classroom
• working with children 1:1 or delivering sessions with small groups of students
• managing classroom resources
• taking children on trips and visits
• having their lunch with children who struggle socially
• managing heightened behaviours and keeping children safe
• playing board games and engaging in other activities
• celebrating success
• part of therapy sessions and reflecting on difficult periods

Benefits and Rewards

• Staff laptop and mobile phone
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes (maximum of 6 pupils) with specialist TA support
• Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme
• Win up to £150 per month through our REACH awards
• Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards - plus up to £500 special recognition award for outstanding practice
• Salary sacrifice schemes, including childcare vouchers, electric vehicles, technology and cycle to work
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• Cashback for various medical appointments & treatments such as dental, optical, physio and more with MediCash

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services(previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.

Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.