Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Compass Community; Woking; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff laptop and mobile phone

Extensive training and professional //

Small class sizes with specialist TA

Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme

Long service awards £200/£400/£600

Salary sacrifice schemes (childcare, '

Regular therapeutic and supervisory

MediCash cashback for healthcare

Job summary

Compass Community Schools in Woking is seeking an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support pupils with SEMH and additional SEND needs. You will work closely with teachers to implement strategies, monitor progress and promote a safe, inclusive learning environment.

The role involves one-to-one and small-group support, managing resources, supervising meals and trips, and contributing to enrichment activities with a trauma-informed approach.

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications stated in the ad.

Responsibilities

• Supporting teachers in the classroom
• Working with children on a one-to-one basis or in small groups
• Managing classroom resources
• Accompanying children on educational visits and trips
• Supporting children during lunch and social times
• Managing challenging behaviour and keeping children safe
• Using games and activities to support learning and social development
• Supporting practical learning experiences and enrichment activities
• Celebrating achievement and success
• Taking part in therapeutic support and reflective practice sessions

Skills

Classroom support

Behaviour management

Communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many also have additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism, ADHD and communication difficulties. Many have experienced significant trauma, adverse childhood experiences and may have social care involvement.

The work we do is varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff receive extensive therapeutic training and support.

Our child-centred approach places young people at the heart of decision-making, bringing together education and therapy professionals, parents and carers, local authority teams and students to achieve outstanding outcomes.

The Role

HLTAs at our schools know that no two days and no two children are the same. Our pupils need dedicated adults who can support them through complex and challenging behaviours.

Successful HLTAs understand that children need attention, consistency, flexibility, effective communication and a non-judgemental approach. They are resilient, adaptable and solution-focused, ready to respond to the changing needs of pupils throughout the school day.

Our HLTAs May Be

• Supporting teachers in the classroom
• Working with children on a one-to-one basis or in small groups
• Managing classroom resources
• Accompanying children on educational visits and trips
• Supporting children during lunch and social times
• Managing challenging behaviour and keeping children safe
• Using games and activities to support learning and social development
• Supporting practical learning experiences and enrichment activities
• Celebrating achievement and success
• Taking part in therapeutic support and reflective practice sessions

We want our HLTAs to play an active role in shaping the school, supporting positive outcomes and advocating for every child.

We welcome the interests, ideas and passions our staff bring to enhance both the curriculum and extracurricular opportunities available to our pupils.

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
• Long service awards of £200 after 2 years, £400 after 5 years and £600 after 10 years, plus up to £500 special recognition awards
• Salary sacrifice schemes including childcare vouchers, technology and cycle to work
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• MediCash cashback for dental, optical, physiotherapy and other healthcare treatments

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close vacancies early should suitable candidates be identified.

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check, or Enhanced DBS with Barred List check where appropriate, and complete all relevant safer recruitment and due diligence procedures, including social media screening.

All school-based staff are responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and must work in accordance with the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy at all times.

Compass is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and recognise that diversity strengthens our ability to support children and young people.