Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover
Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with SEMH and SEND needs in a dynamic classroom environment.
  • Company: Join a national organisation dedicated to children's welfare and development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive training, flexible pension, and employee wellbeing services.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills and career.
  • Qualifications: Resilience, flexibility, and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your input and growth.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

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.

Key Dates

  • Deadline for Applications: 20/02/26
  • Interview Date: W/C 23/02/26

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. 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.

Benefits And Rewards

  • 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.

Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover employer: Compass Community

At Compass Community Schools, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our Teaching Assistants benefit from extensive training opportunities, small class sizes, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the development of our students' academic and social skills. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth, we offer a competitive salary, flexible pension options, and a range of employee benefits that make working here both rewarding and fulfilling.
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Contact Detail:

Compass Community Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Research their values, mission, and the specific needs of the children. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be working with children who have SEMH and SEND, being able to communicate effectively is key. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your flexibility! Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing situations in the past. Highlighting your resilience and solution-focused mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community and contributing to the amazing work we do for our children.

We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

Communication Skills
Resilience
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Attention to Detail
Empathy
Teamwork
Behaviour Management
Adaptability
Creativity
Understanding of SEMH and SEND
Ability to Support Diverse Learning Needs
Organisational Skills
Commitment to Safeguarding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with SEMH and SEND shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission and values, so share your experiences and what drives you to make a difference.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. We’re looking for resilience, flexibility, and a non-judgemental approach, so give us examples that showcase these qualities.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to break down your skills and experiences, making it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

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 children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) and other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting children with Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. This knowledge will show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Show Your Flexibility

During the interview, be ready to discuss how you can adapt to different situations and needs. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve had to change your approach on the fly. This role requires resilience and the ability to wear many hats, so demonstrating your flexibility will be key.

✨Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is crucial when working with children who have complex behaviours. Practice explaining your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to role-play scenarios where you need to communicate with children or colleagues, showcasing your ability to connect and engage.

✨Be Solution-Focused

Prepare to discuss how you handle challenges and difficult behaviours. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully resolved issues or supported someone through a tough time. Highlighting your problem-solving skills will demonstrate that you’re ready to tackle the unique challenges this role presents.

Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover
Compass Community

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