At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs, manage classroom resources, and engage in therapeutic activities.
- Company: Compass Community, a caring and innovative organisation focused on children's wellbeing.
- Benefits: Staff laptop, professional training, small class sizes, and wellness cashback.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for supporting those with special educational needs.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
Key Dates
- Deadline for Applications: 29/05/26
- Interview Date: WC 08/06/26
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.
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.
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
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!
Our HLTAs 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 HLTAs 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 interests and passions to the table.
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 £150 per month in our REACH awards
- Receive £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years) and £600 (10 years) service awards, plus up to £500 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.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Loughborough employer: Compass Schools
Contact Detail:
Compass Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Compass Community's website and social media. Understanding their values like integrity, courage, and care will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you've supported children with SEMH or SEND needs. We want to hear about those moments when you made a real difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for anything! As an HLTA, you'll need to adapt quickly. During your interview, share how you've handled unexpected situations in the past. Flexibility is key, so let them know you're up for the challenge!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about their therapeutic approach or how they support staff development. This not only helps you learn more but also shows that you’re genuinely invested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for working with children shine through. We want to see how you can be a life changer and make a real difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially with children who have SEMH or SEND needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission and values.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value integrity and care, so share your unique approach to supporting children and how you handle challenges in a non-judgmental way.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Schools
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEMH and SEND, and think about how your skills can meet those needs. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In this role, no two days are the same, so be ready to discuss examples from your past where you've had to adapt quickly. Share stories that highlight your resilience and solution-focused mindset, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you're prepared for the dynamic environment.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Compass Community values a closely triangulated approach, so be sure to talk about your experience working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals. Highlight any instances where your input has positively impacted decision-making or outcomes for children.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving children with complex behaviours. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses, focusing on your non-judgmental approach and ability to communicate effectively. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the challenges of the role.