Teaching Assistant

About The Role

Legacy of the role includes a variety of responsibilities. Key dates:
Final date to receive applications: 24/07/26
Interview Date: W/C 27/07/26

Compass Community School Willow Dean is an independent specialist school providing high-quality, therapeutic and child-centred education to boys and girls from 6 to 17 years of age in Halifax, West Yorkshire. 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.

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. 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.

TAs at our school keep the day dynamic, supporting children with complex and challenging behaviours. They provide individualized attention, use the right communication, maintain consistency and flexibility, and employ a non‑judgemental approach. Resilience, persistence and a solutions‑focused attitude are essential as they wear many hats and adapt quickly.

• support teachers in the classroom
• work with children 1:1 or delivering sessions with small groups of students
• manage classroom resources
• take children on trips and visits
• have lunch with children who struggle socially
• manage heightened behaviours and keep children safe
• play board games
• conduct science experiments
• make amazing displays
• celebrate success
• participate in therapy sessions or reflect on difficult periods

We want our TAs 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 own interests and passions to the table.

• Competitive salary
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support
• The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams
• Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
• Flexible pension
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating‑out and takeaways

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.

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 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.