Teaching Assistant

Compass Community; England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

extensive training and qualifications

small class sizes with TA support

national organisation recognition

therapeutic supervision

wellbeing and salary sacrifice

Job summary

Compass Community is seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants to support learning and behaviour in a multi-background setting. The role involves working with children on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, managing resources, and assisting with trips to enrich educational experiences.

Successful candidates will be resilient, flexible, and committed to safeguarding, with a basic understanding of English and Maths and a willingness to engage in therapeutic training and reflective practice.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning.
• Work with children on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Manage classroom resources.
• Support educational trips and visits.
• Help children who struggle socially during lunchtime.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of English and Maths.
• Keep children safe during periods of heightened behaviour.
• Deliver games and activities that support learning and social development.
• Create engaging classroom displays and learning environments.
• Celebrate achievement and progress.
• Participate in therapeutic training and reflective practice.

Job description

Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child?

Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.

This is the work. And we'd like you to be part of it.

Who We Are

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.

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 brings together education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and students to achieve positive outcomes.

The Role

Teaching Assistants at our school know that no two days or children are the same. Our pupils require dedicated adults who can support complex needs and challenging behaviours.

TAs understand that children need attention, effective communication, consistency, flexibility and a non‑judgemental approach. They must be resilient, solution‑focused and able to adapt quickly to changing situations.

Our Teaching Assistants Will

• Support teaching and learning.
• Work with children on a one‑to‑one basis and in small groups.
• Manage classroom resources.
• Support educational trips and visits.
• Help children who struggle socially during lunchtime.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of English and Maths.
• Keep children safe during periods of heightened behaviour.
• Deliver games and activities that support learning and social development.
• Create engaging classroom displays and learning environments.
• Celebrate achievement and progress.
• Participate in therapeutic training and reflective practice.

Our TAs are valued members of the team. We encourage them to contribute to school development, curriculum activities and extracurricular opportunities by bringing their own interests and experiences to the role.

Benefits and Rewards

• Opportunity to develop and grow your career within Compass Community.
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities.
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support.
• Opportunity to join a growing national organisation that recognises talent and develops future leaders.
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision.
• Employee benefits service with wellbeing support and salary sacrifice schemes.

The Values Awards

At Compass, our strength comes from the values we live by every day: Integrity, Care and Courage. These values are demonstrated through the actions taken to support children, families and colleagues.

The Compass Values Awards recognise individuals who embody these values and celebrate the positive difference they make across our community.

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close this advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Safeguarding

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

Successful applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS Check or Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and undergo due diligence checks, including social media screening.

All school‑based staff are responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Staff must be familiar with the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with it at all times.

Compass is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe a workforce with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences strengthens our ability to support children and young people and achieve positive outcomes.