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
Level 2 Teaching Assistants 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 Level 2 Teaching Assistant 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
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There is NO requirement for a formal qualification to be considered for this role, we do however value experience working with children or young people in an education or other setting.
We can offer apprenticehips for Teaching Assistant Level 3 or Special Teaching Assistant Level 5 for those looking for career development.
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
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.