Teaching Assistant (12 Month Fixed Term)

Compass Community Limited.; Tendring; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extensive training

Small class sizes

Career progression

Sickness scheme

Flexible pension

Supervision and wellbeing services

Job summary

Compass Community School Pembroke Park is seeking Teaching Assistants to support secondary pupils with SEMH needs in a therapeutic learning environment. You will work 1:1 or with small groups, support teachers, and help manage resources and behaviour.

The role involves participating in safeguarding, attending therapy-informed training, and collaborating with a small, specialist SEND team to promote pupil progress and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting secondary pupils with SEMH needs.
• Ability to adapt communication to individual pupils and groups.
• Willingness to engage in safeguarding and training requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in the classroom and deliver small group sessions.
• Provide 1:1 support for secondary-aged pupils with complex behaviours.
• Help manage resources, trips, and classroom routines.
• Contribute to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing in a therapeutic setting.

Skills

Classroom support

1:1 support

Behaviour management

Communication

Education

Relevant education or training in SEND

Job description

TAs 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-judgemental approach. They need to be resilient, persistent and solution focussed 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!

Our Teaching Assistants 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 TAs 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 own interests and passions to the table.

This position is specifically to provide dedicated 1:1 support for secondary-aged pupils at Compass Community School Pembroke Park. Working closely with the class team, you will build a safe and trusting relationship with the pupil, helping them to regulate their emotions, engage with learning and develop confidence and independence. The role requires a nurturing, patient and flexible approach, with support tailored to each pupil's individual needs and stage of development rather than simply their age.

We are a small, specialist SEND school, that was set up to provide purposeful learning for students between the ages of 6 and 16 years of age. We offer education in a therapeutic environment for young people who have previously struggled in mainstream provision. CCS Pembroke Park is based in a tranquil, rural location south of the City of Colchester, Essex. We are accommodated in a purpose-built site, which includes sensory and therapy spaces, as well as facilities for a range of subjects. We also have outdoor space, which our young people use for recreation at break times and lunchtimes and for PE lessons.

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.

The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support., Competitive salary

• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support
• The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams
• Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
• Flexible pension
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating-out and takeaways

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

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.