At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs, providing care and innovative learning experiences.
- Company: Compass Community, a leader in therapeutic education for children with SEMH and SEND.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive training, small class sizes, and wellness support.
- 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: Passion for helping children and willingness to learn; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
About the Role
Deadline for Applications: 06/07/26. Interview Date: W/C 13/07/26. Start date: September 2026.
Compass Community puts children first through a therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.
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 have suffered significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences and may have social care involvement. We provide extensive therapeutic training and support to all staff. Our triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision‑making, coordinating education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and students to achieve outstanding outcomes.
The Role
HLTAs at our school know that no two days are the same and that no two children are the same. They must support children with complex and challenging behaviours, providing attentiveness, the right communication, consistency, flexibility and a non‑judgmental approach. HLTAs wear many hats and are 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 the academic curriculum and extra‑curricular opportunities.
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
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to hold or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity, and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All school‑based staff have the responsibility for promoting safeguarding and welfare of children. Staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with it at all times.
Compass is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Compass Community New Higher Level Teaching Assistant Colchester · office £24k employer: Get Grants Ltd
Compass Community is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Higher Level Teaching Assistants in Colchester. With a strong emphasis on professional development, extensive therapeutic training, and a collaborative culture that values input from all staff, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs. The benefits package, including enhanced occupational sickness schemes and service awards, further underscores our commitment to employee well-being and recognition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Compass Community New Higher Level Teaching Assistant Colchester · office £24k
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Get Grants Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Get Grants Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Get Grants Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Get Grants Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Compass Community New Higher Level Teaching Assistant Colchester · office £24k
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Get Grants Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Get Grants Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Get Grants Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
