higher level teaching assistant

Closing date: Thursday 17 th September 2026

Interview date: First Stage (10 minute discussion online): w/c 5 th October 2026

Final Stage: w/c 12 th October 2026

Start Date:                   Monday 4 th January 2026

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 fixing what needs fixing, together. 

This is the work. And we’d like you to be part of it.

Who we are

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

This exciting new provision reflects Compass Community Schools’ ongoing 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 needs (SEMH) - and many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD and communication difficulties. Many of our pupils 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 to ensure they understand the needs of each of our learners – and treat each with a high level of dignity and respect.

Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of our 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 level of communication, consistency and flexibility, and a non-judgmental approach. They also 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! 

It is also vital that those who come to join our inaugural staff team, that has been in place since 1 st September 2026, recognise, appreciate and are inspired to hear that there is a teaching commitment to each of these roles – so all candidates applying for a HLTA position at CCS Randall Park must have a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (or higher) qualification; and must have the knowledge, experience and suitable qualification to demonstrate the ability to deliver key aspects of the curriculum with pupils with special educational needs.

To enable us to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum – and show our ambition for each and every pupils who comes to our school – we are keen to receive applications from those who have the ability to take a lead role in the planning, resourcing and delivery of at least one of the following:

• Performing Arts,
• Computing (including either E-Sports or Computer Science),
• Humanities (Geography and/or History),
• Cooking and/or Design Technology,
• Criminology and/or Law,
• Health & Beauty (including Make Up and Hair Artistry),
• Architecture, Building Construction and/or Engineering,
• Hospitality, Health & Social Care or Animal Management.

We are also able to provide a separate contract for those who are also willing to undertake lunchtime supervision duties – alongside other members of the teaching team over the lunchtime period – that is equivalent to an extra £1625 per annum.

Our HLTAs will 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 and engaging in other activities
• conducting science experiments
• making amazing displays
• celebrating success
• part of therapy sessions and reflecting on difficult periods

For this specific role it would be highly desirable if you are also able to take on a lead role in the delivery of at least one of the curriculum areas outlined above - to compliment the skills and interests of the other HLTAs already in post. However, a strong skillset in other areas of the curriculum will also be given serious consideration .

We want our HLTAs to be part of the decision-making that drives our school, provides exceptional outcomes for children and young people, and advocates for every child. We welcome and value their input in developing both the academic curriculum and the opportunities to enrich our extra-curricular offer – and hope all of our staff members will have the confidence to bring their interests and passions to the table. 

Benefits and Rewards

• Staff laptop and mobile phone
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities 
• Small class sizes (maximum of 6 pupils) with specialist TA support
• Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme
• Win up to £150 per month through 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, electric vehicles, 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
• NEST Pension

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.

If you wish to come to meet the Executive Headteacher and learn more about Compass Schools – and CCS Randall Park in particular – you are welcome to come to our temporary offices – located at Unit 26, The Bold Business Centre, Bold Lane, St Helens at 16:00 on either Wednesday 9 th September or Monday 14 th September.

To book on to either of these, please contact the executive head teacher Anthony on [email protected]