Hltas

Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of 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 of a Highly Qualified Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at our school is dynamic and varied. Our children require very special adults who can support those with complex and challenging behaviours.

They will need to provide individual attention, skilled communication, consistency, flexibility, and a non‑judgmental approach. They must be resilient, persistent, solution‑focused, and ready to wear many hats and change them at a moment’s notice.

• 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 lunch with children who struggle socially
• Managing heightened behaviours and keeping children safe
• Playing board games
• Conducting science experiments
• Making amazing displays
• Celebrating success
• Participating in therapy sessions or reflecting on difficult periods

We want our HLTAs to be part of the decision‑making that drives our school, to provide outcomes for children, and to advocate for every child. Their input in developing both the academic curriculum and the extra‑curricular offer is valued – bringing their interests and passions to the table.

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. This is the work, and we welcome you to be part of it. Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH).

Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. Many have suffered significant trauma and adverse childhood experiences and may have social care involvement.

Location:

Folkestone (CT19). Salary: £25,700.

• 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 and treatments such as dental, optical, physio and more with Medi Cash.

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 expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and to undergo due diligence checks on social media use.

All school‑based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children, and 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.