Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Compass Community; Swindon; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational setting in Swindon seeks HLTAs to assist children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. The role involves supporting teachers, working directly with students, and contributing to curriculum decisions. Ideal candidates will have a passion for education and be adaptable to children's needs, with support and development opportunities available.

Benefits

Staff laptop and mobile phone

Extensive training opportunities

Small class sizes

Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme

Service awards for long-term service

Salary sacrifice schemes

Regular therapeutic supervision

Cashback for medical appointments

Qualifications

• Ability to lead on reading, literacy, and numeracy.
• Experience working with children with SEMH and SEND.
• Skills in supporting IT, PE, music, or art would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in the classroom.
• Work with children 1:1 or in small groups.
• Manage heightened behaviors and ensure child safety.

Skills

Reading and literacy support

Numeracy support

Managing classroom resources

Behavior management

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

Key Dates: Closing date: 8th September 2025. Due to advertising over the summer holidays we will interview all shortlisted candidates during the summer break on a rolling programme. Early applications are advised to complete HR checks to commence work on 1st September 2025.

Who we are: We are a small setting with a maximum number of 12 students, which means that class sizes are small and enables you to personalise learning. We are a supportive team and are seeking a colleague who shares the same vision and ethos as we do. Our students are very special to us and, whilst they may arrive with learning barriers, we promote a can-do attitude. 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 will have suffered significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences and may have social care involvement. The work we do is trauma- and attachment-informed, and all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support. Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.

The 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 sort of communication, consistency and flexibility in equal measure, and a non-judgmental approach. They 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.

We are looking for someone who is confident in leading on Reading, literacy and numeracy. The ability to offer additional skills to the small staff team is also beneficial such as supporting IT, PE, Music or art.

Our HLTAs may 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
• conducting science experiments
• making amazing displays
• celebrating success
• part of therapy sessions or reflecting on difficult periods

We want our HLTAs to be part of the decision-making that drives our school, provides outcomes for children and advocates for every child. We welcome their input in developing both the academic curriculum and the opportunities in our extra-curricular offer – bringing their 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
• 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, 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.

About You

Not Specified