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.
We are looking for a creative, compassionate and adaptable Higher Level Teaching Assistant to help shape Compass Community Online School, supporting young people to reconnect with education through personalised online learning.
This is the work. And we’d like you to be part of it.
Who we are
Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience barriers to accessing education. Many have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), alongside other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), such as autism, ADHD and communication difficulties. Some have experienced significant trauma, disrupted education and lengthy periods away from school.
CCOS provides personalised online education that starts with understanding the child. For some pupils, this will be their main education provision. For others, we will work alongside their existing school to support reintegration through a blended package.
Through consistent relationships, accessible teaching and a therapeutic approach, we help young people rebuild confidence, develop routines and make meaningful academic and personal progress.
As a trauma and attachment-informed organisation, we provide extensive therapeutic training and support. Our approach places the child at the centre of decision-making, bringing together education and therapy professionals, parents and carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students.
The Role
HLTAs at CCOS know that no two children are the same. Supporting them online requires creativity, patience and an ability to build trusting relationships through a screen.
Our children need adults who offer the right communication, consistency and flexibility in equal measure, alongside a non-judgemental approach. You will be calm, persistent and solution-focused, adapting your support while helping pupils develop confidence and independence.
You will work closely with teachers to support live online lessons, provide individual and small-group interventions, and lead planned learning activities within an agreed framework and under teacher direction. You will contribute to planning, adapt resources and share observations that help teachers assess progress and identify next steps.
Some pupils may initially join with their camera off, communicate through the chat or need reassurance before attempting a task. You will recognise these starting points and help pupils take manageable steps towards greater participation.
Our HLTAs may be:
- Supporting teachers and pupils during live online lessons.
- Leading planned sessions with individuals and small groups, including agreed curriculum, intervention and enrichment activities.
- Helping pupils access learning platforms, find resources and develop digital independence.
- Adapting materials and breaking tasks into manageable steps.
- Supporting literacy, numeracy, communication and study skills.
- Using pupils’ interests to develop engaging projects and activities.
- Playing an online game of chess, exploring flags and geography, or supporting a creative challenge to build relationships and learning.
- Helping pupils recognise when they need a break, ask for support and return to learning.
- Providing feedback on pupils’ work and recording progress within agreed assessment arrangements.
- Monitoring attendance, engagement and wellbeing, and reporting concerns promptly through school procedures.
- Working with families, carers and other professionals to support consistent routines and participation.
- Celebrating successes, reflecting on difficult sessions and helping pupils try again.
We want our HLTAs to be part of the decision-making that drives our school and advocates for every child. We welcome your contribution to the curriculum and enrichment offer, including the interests, skills and passions you bring to the team.
About You
You will understand that progress can begin with opening the chat, attempting a task or trusting an adult enough to ask for help. You will value these steps while remaining ambitious for what each pupil can achieve.
You will bring:
- HLTA status or an equivalent relevant qualification and experience is beneficial but not required.
- Experience supporting children with SEND, including SEMH needs.
- Experience leading planned learning activities with individuals and small groups.
- An understanding of how trauma, anxiety and disrupted education can affect engagement.
- The ability to adapt communication and learning.
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.