Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Location: Swindon (All Regions)

Salary: Up to £26,101 per annum

Department: Education Services

Function: Education

📅 Key Dates to Remember

Application Deadline: 24th July 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 27th July 2026
Please note: We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close this advert early if suitable candidates are identified. Early application is strongly advised!

About the Role: Are you a Life Changer?

Do you want to lean in and truly transform the life of a child?

At Compass Community Schools, we put children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Our core values—Integrity, Courage, and Care—shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other, and fix what needs fixing, together. This is rewarding, deeply meaningful work. And we want you to be part of it.

Who We Are

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all navigate Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. A significant number of our pupils have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences, and may have social care involvement.

Because our work is both varied and challenging, we operate as a trauma- and attachment-informed organisation. We provide all staff with extensive therapeutic training and support. Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the center of decision-making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authorities, and our students work hand-in-hand to secure outstanding outcomes.

The Role

HLTAs at our school know that no two days—and no two children—are the same. Our children require very special adults who can support them through complex and challenging behaviors.

As an HLTA, you will understand that our children require plenty of attention, precise communication, consistency, and flexibility in equal measure. You will need to be resilient, persistent, and solution-focused. To succeed, you must be ready to wear a lot of hats and change them at a moment’s notice!

Your day-to-day may involve:

Classroom & Teacher Support: Assisting teachers with lesson delivery and managing classroom resources.
Targeted Learning: Working 1:1 with students or leading sessions with small groups.
Enrichment & Creativity: Conducting science experiments, creating amazing displays, playing board games, and taking children on exciting trips and visits.
Social & Emotional Care: Having lunch with children who struggle socially, celebrating successes, and participating in therapeutic reflection sessions.
Safety & Regulation: Managing heightened behaviors and keeping children safe using strong behavior management and excellent communication.

What We Are Looking For

Driver Requirements: Must hold a valid manual driving licence (essential for driving the school's manual vehicles on trips and visits).
A non-judgmental, empathetic, and child-focused approach.
High levels of resilience and the ability to maintain a calm, steady presence during challenging moments.
Strong communication skills and a passion for advocating for children with complex needs.
Active willingness to participate in therapeutic training and reflective supervision.
A desire to contribute your own unique passions and interests to our academic and extra-curricular curriculum.

Why Join Compass Community Schools?

Your Voice & Passions Matter
Our HLTAs are highly valued, core members of our team. We want you to be part of the decision-making that drives our school forward, advocates for our children, and shapes our extra-curricular activities.

Competitive Salary: Up to £26,101 per year.
Tech Provided: Dedicated staff laptop and mobile phone.
Favorable Environment: Small class sizes supported by specialist TA teams.
Financial Rewards: Win up to £150 per month in our REACH awards, plus length of service awards (up to £600) and special recognition awards for outstanding practice (up to £500).
Total Wellbeing Support: Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision, an enhanced occupational sickness scheme, and a flexible pension.
Health & Benefits: MediCash cashback scheme for dental, optical, physio, and more, alongside salary sacrifice schemes (childcare vouchers, technology, and cycle to work).

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All school-based staff share this commitment and responsibility. The successful candidate will be required to hold or undergo an Enhanced DBS check (or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.