Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Tipton Full-Time 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Compass Community

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support teachers and engage with children in a meaningful, varied role.
  • Company: Compass Community School, a specialist SEMH school focused on child wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Staff laptop, training opportunities, small class sizes, and potential bonuses.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience working with children and a passion for supporting diverse needs.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.

Deadline for Applications: 29th March 2026

Compass Community School Victoria Park is an Independent Specialist SEMH School which prides itself on having a “big heart” (Ofsted 2024) and consistently high standards for all. Based in Tipton, Sandwell, the school is currently advertising for a HLTA who can demonstrate experience of working within the Primary cohort specifically and show expertise particularly within the Primary curriculum.

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 both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment-informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support.

We welcome candidates who feel they would thrive working within a close, diverse and established staff team, which puts the child at the centre of what we do while ensuring staff wellbeing is fully supported.

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.

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!

HLTAs are expected to be able to deliver teaching to cover and support the main Primary teacher and lead on planning in some areas.

Our HLTAs may also 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

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 ÂŁ150 per month in our REACH awards
  • Receive ÂŁ200 (2 years), ÂŁ400 (5 years) and ÂŁ600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to ÂŁ500 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

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.

About You

Not Specified

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Higher Level Teaching Assistant employer: Compass Community

Compass Community School Victoria Park is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth. With extensive training opportunities, small class sizes, and a close-knit team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEMH needs, employees can thrive in a rewarding environment that values their contributions and celebrates successes.
Compass Community

Contact Detail:

Compass Community Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Compass Community. Understanding their values and approach to SEMH can help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your responses! Think about how your experiences align with the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children with complex needs or managed challenging behaviours in the past.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for education! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Talk about your commitment to creating a supportive learning environment and how you can contribute to the school's mission.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Understanding of SEMH needs
Knowledge of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Ability to support children with Autism and ADHD
Classroom Management
Planning and Organisation
Behaviour Management
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Engagement in Therapeutic Practices
Creativity in Activity Planning
Adaptability to Changing Situations
Empathy and Compassion
Decision-Making Skills
Commitment to Safeguarding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. We want to see how you can support our children with SEMH needs and contribute to our diverse team.

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share any relevant experiences or personal stories that demonstrate your commitment to supporting children with complex behaviours and fostering their wellbeing.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. Highlight your key achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application reaches us promptly and allows you to explore more about Compass Community and our values while you're at it!

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Community

✨Know Your Stuff

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEMH and other SEND. Understand trauma- and attachment-informed practices, as well as how to manage complex behaviours. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.

✨Showcase Your Passion

Be ready to share your enthusiasm for working with children who have diverse needs. Talk about any relevant experiences or activities that highlight your commitment to supporting their emotional and social development.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in the classroom. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging behaviours or supported a child’s learning.

✨Engage with the Team Spirit

Compass Community values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative environment. Share ideas on how you can support teachers and engage with colleagues to enhance the learning experience for students.

Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Compass Community
Location: Tipton
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