Teaching Assistant Advert (Compass Plus)
Teaching Assistant: Fixed Term in the first instance until 31 August 2025.
Hours: Hours available between 25-37 hours per week by negotiation, worked over 5 days.
Paid Weeks: Term Time including INSET Day (45.05 paid weeks)
Salary Scale: Grade 5 - 6, points 5 – 9 depending on experience. Actual salary range for 37 hours per week - £21,419 - £22, 819 PA. (£24,790 - £26,409 PA – FTE)
Compass Learning Centre is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and energetic Teaching Assistant to start as soon as possible joining our team to work predominantly within our new and exciting off site provision, Compass Plus. This new project is based just east of Dorchester, and with the support of specialist instructors. The role will involve some planning and to facilitate the delivery of classroom subjects (English, Maths, Vocational Studies) alongside supporting with the delivery of a variety of outdoor education activities.
Compass Plus caters for students with a range of special educational needs who are Key Stage 4 Years 10 or 11. Hours of work are available between 25 and 37 hours per week over 5 days, term time including INSET days. This post is fixed term until 31 August 2025 in the first instance with the potential to become permanent.
The salary range for this post is Dorset Council Grades 5 - 6 dependent on experience, and we can offer a progression route through to Senior Teaching Assistant at Grade 7 for the right candidate.
This post would suit someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a passion for working with young people, either in a professional or volunteer role and who would like to make a difference to lives of young people with complex needs and challenging behaviour. Whether you are looking to gain experience during a gap year before going on to higher education, looking for a role during the school day which could fit around a family, or an opportunity to build on existing skills or experience, this could be the perfect job for you.
This position is challenging but rewarding and will require you to work both alongside teachers and other education professionals, as well as independently under teachers' direction, supporting the work of groups of children and individuals. Duties are varied, depending on the special needs of the students concerned.
The successful candidate will:
• Have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 / C or above, including English and Mathematics
• Ideally have experience working with young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours and experience or interest in working in outdoor education or education out of the traditional classroom environement
• Promote the inclusion of all students
• Contribute to the safeguarding and protection of all students
The young people we educate have struggled to maintain a place in mainstream school and come to us with a variety of additional needs. Our challenge is to help them build the confidence, knowledge and skills to unlock their potential. This role will suit someone who is caring, understanding and can demonstrate energy and enthusiasm with a strong positive behaviour management ethos. Class sizes are small and all of our students need bespoke individualised learning.
If you are a good team player, who is motivated, patient, resilient, understanding and have the ability to establish a rapport with young people in a busy and lively setting, this may be the job for you. You will be joining an outstanding, hardworking and friendly team of staff.
If you are interested in this post or would like more information, please contact – Michelle Nokes, Heads PA – 01305 – 206530, email: m.nokes@compass.dorset.gov.uk. Come for a visit and see what we do!
Further details including a job description and person specification are included in the attached Information for Applicants, however if you have any questions or would like to discuss this position please contact Michelle Nokes, Heads PA on 01305 – 206530.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Midnight on Sunday 2 February 2025.
Compass Learning Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; this is a commitment which we expect all staff and volunteers to share. The successful candidate will be required to have a Disclosure & Barring Service check in line with the Governments safer recruitment guidelines. We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
Please ensure that your application is completed in full, listing and detailing all qualifications from secondary school up to the most recent qualifications gained and a full employment history is stated from school until present day.
Compass Learning Centre will conduct a number of online searches of shortlisted candidates. Part of which will be a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.