At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH and SEND needs in a dynamic classroom environment.
- Company: Compass Community Schools, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: Receive extensive training, a staff laptop, and opportunities for service awards.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Resilience, flexibility, and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
Key Dates
- Deadline for Applications: 11/05/26
- Interview Date: w/c 18/05/26
Who we are
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 Woking 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 Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school’s values and approach. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your resilience and ability to adapt. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting children with SEMH and SEND needs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment. Share any relevant training or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to this important work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the school’s approach to education and therapy. This shows you’re engaged and eager to be part of the decision-making process.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Woking
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 how your experiences align with the needs of our students.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and resilience. Whether it’s managing challenging behaviours or working collaboratively with teachers, we love seeing real-life stories that highlight your abilities.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the unique aspects of our school and the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Mention how you can contribute to our therapeutic approach and the importance of being flexible and solution-focused.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of children with SEMH and SEND. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and how they apply to education. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but are also committed to making a real difference.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Be ready to discuss examples from your past experiences where you had to adapt quickly to changing situations. Highlight your ability to wear multiple hats and how you’ve successfully managed complex behaviours in the classroom. This is key for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant!
✨Communicate Effectively
During the interview, demonstrate your communication skills by being clear and concise. Use active listening techniques and engage with the interviewers. They’ll want to see that you can connect with both children and colleagues, so don’t hold back on sharing your passion for supporting students.
✨Bring Your Ideas to the Table
Think about how you can contribute to the academic curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Prepare some ideas or interests you’d like to share that could enhance the school’s offerings. This shows initiative and that you’re eager to be part of the decision-making process.