Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Location: Cauldon Low, Stoke-on-Trent (All Regions)
Salary: £24,638 - £27,491 per annum (Depending on Experience)
Function: Education
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency
Application Deadline: 10/07/2027 (Note: We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close early!)

Are you a Life Changer?

Do you want to lean in, bring your passions to the table, and transform the life of a child?

At Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency, we are proud to partner with Compass Community Schools—a trauma and attachment-informed educational provider that puts children first through a deeply therapeutic, innovative approach. Guided by the core values of Integrity, Courage, and Care, they listen deeply, challenge each other, and fix what needs fixing, together.

This isn't just a job; this is the work. And we want you to be a part of it.

Who are our students?

Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many also navigate other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties, or have suffered significant trauma.

Because the work is both varied and challenging, Compass provides all staff with extensive, ongoing therapeutic training and support to ensure you succeed.

The Role: Wear many hats, change lives daily

As an HLTA, you already know that no two days—and no two children—are the same. Our students require very special adults who can support complex and challenging behaviours with a non-judgmental, resilient, and solution-focused approach.

On any given day, you might find yourself:

Classroom Collaboration: Supporting teachers, managing resources, and making amazing displays.
Targeted Support: Working with children 1:1 or delivering engaging sessions to small groups.
Experiential Learning: Conducting science experiments, playing board games, or taking children on trips and visits.
Social Mentorship: Having lunch with children who struggle socially and celebrating their successes.
Therapeutic Care: Managing heightened behaviours, keeping children safe, and participating in therapy reflection sessions.

We don't want you to just assist; we want you to be part of the decision-making that drives our school. We welcome your input to help develop both our academic curriculum and our extra-curricular offer by bringing your unique interests and passions to work!

Why leap across the bridge to this role? (Benefits & Rewards)

Competitive Pay: £24,638 - £27,491 DOE with small class sizes and specialist TA support.
Tech Provided: Dedicated staff laptop and mobile phone.
Professional Growth: Extensive training, professional qualification opportunities, and regular therapeutic supervision.
Financial Recognition: Service awards of £200 (2 years), £400 (5 years), and £600 (10 years), plus up to £500 special recognition awards for outstanding practice.
Monthly Rewards: Opportunities to win up to £150 in the monthly REACH Awards.
Health & Wellbeing: Enhanced Occupational Sickness Scheme and MediCash (cashback for dental, optical, physio, and more).
Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Including childcare vouchers, technology, and cycle-to-work schemes.