higher level teaching assistant

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.

Who we are

Compass Community Schools is proud to announce the opening of a brand new school in Newton-le-Willows, welcoming its first pupils in January 2027.

This exciting new provision reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education for children and young people with special educational needs in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many also have additional SEND needs, including Autism, ADHD and communication difficulties. Many pupils have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences and may have social care involvement.

As a trauma and attachment-informed organisation, we provide extensive therapeutic training and support so every member of staff understands the needs of our learners and treats them with dignity, compassion and respect.

Our approach places the child at the centre of decision-making, ensuring education staff, therapists, parents, carers, local authorities and students work together to achieve positive outcomes.

The Role

HLTAs in our school know that no two days and no two children are the same. Our pupils need exceptional adults who can support children with complex needs and challenging behaviours.

Successful candidates will be resilient, adaptable and solution-focused, with the ability to build positive relationships and respond calmly to changing situations.

As part of our inaugural staff team, you will play a key role in shaping the culture and success of our new school. The role includes a teaching commitment, so applicants must be able to deliver planned learning activities to pupils with special educational needs.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can support learning in one or more of the following areas:

• Performing Arts
• Computing, E-Sports or Computer Science
• Humanities
• Cooking or Design Technology
• Criminology or Law
• Health & Beauty
• Construction or Engineering
• Hospitality, Health & Social Care or Animal Management

Our HLTAs will:

• Support teachers in the classroom
• Deliver one-to-one and small-group interventions
• Manage classroom resources
• Support trips and educational visits
• Help pupils develop social skills
• Manage behaviour and keep children safe
• Use activities and games to encourage engagement
• Support practical learning activities
• Celebrate success and achievement
• Contribute to therapeutic approaches across the school

Benefits and Rewards

• Staff laptop and mobile phone
• Extensive training and qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support
• Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme
• Long service awards and recognition payments
• Salary sacrifice schemes including electric vehicles, technology and Cycle to Work
• Regular therapeutic supervision
• MediCash healthcare cashback scheme
• NEST Pension Scheme

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check and complete all relevant pre-employment checks, including social media screening.

All school-based staff are responsible for promoting the safety and wellbeing of children and must work in accordance with the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.

Compass Community is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences who share our commitment to transforming the lives of children and young people.