At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching and learning for children with special needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Compass Community, a supportive organisation focused on children's welfare and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive training, small class sizes, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Understanding of English and Maths, strong communication, and behaviour management skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Key Dates
- Closing date: 09/01/26
- Interview date: W/C 12/01/26
Who We Are
We are a small setting with a maximum number of 12 students which means that class sizes are small, enabling 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’t do yet' mantra. 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. 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 Role
Teaching Assistants 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. TAs in our schools will understand 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 pupils 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 will:
- Support teaching and learning
- Work with children 1:1 or delivering sessions with small groups of students
- Manage classroom resources
- Take children on educational trips and visits
- Have their lunch with children who struggle socially
- Have a good basic understanding of English and Maths
- Keep children safe when they are experiencing heightened behaviours with strong behaviour management skills and excellent communication
- Create, play and teach games to pupils to develop their social skills or further learning
- Create amazing displays which support teaching and create an exceptional learning environment
- Celebrate success
- Participate in therapeutic training sessions or reflecting on difficult periods
Our TAs are highly valued members of our team. 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.
Benefits And Rewards
- The opportunity to develop and grow your career within Compass Community
- 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
- Flexible pension
- Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
- Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes
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.
Teaching Assistant in Swindon employer: Compass Community
Contact Detail:
Compass Community Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Visit if you can, chat with current staff, and understand their ethos. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've supported children with complex needs in the past. Think about specific situations where you made a difference, as this will demonstrate your experience and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—ask them too! Inquire about their approach to supporting students with SEMH and SEND. This shows you're engaged and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with SEMH and SEND needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, particularly in supporting children with complex behaviours. We love seeing how your background aligns with our ethos of a 'can’t do yet' approach!
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We’re looking for team players who can adapt and wear many hats. Share examples of how you've been flexible and resilient in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Community
✨Know the Kids
Before your interview, take some time to understand the specific needs of the children you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with SEMH and SEND challenges, and think about how you can apply a 'can’t do yet' mindset in your approach.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Be ready to discuss how you can adapt your teaching style to meet the diverse needs of students. Share examples from your past experiences where you've had to change your approach on the fly to support a child's learning or behaviour.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals. Discuss how you value input from others and how you can contribute to a supportive team environment that puts the child at the centre of decision-making.
✨Bring Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Talk about your interests and how they can enhance the learning experience. Whether it's a hobby or a skill, show how you can bring something unique to the role.