Teaching Assistant

Vicarage Park is an innovative school located in Stottesdon, a small village near Kidderminster. We are a small special school, which provides a personalised education for up to 12 pupils aged 8-18 with severe complexity of needs, primarily learning disabilities but also associated health or physical disabilities, and other behaviours which challenge.

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.

The Role                                                 

We are looking for dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistants who want to make a real difference to children with complex needs. Whether supporting sensory learning, personal care, therapeutic programmes, or structured routines, you will play a vital role in helping our pupils thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of individual learning plans, EHCP targets, and therapeutic strategies under the guidance of the class teacher and therapy team.
• Assist with personal care, feeding, positioning and mobility needs of pupils, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.
• Promote communication through visual aids, Makaton, AAC, or other total communication methods.
• Facilitate and engage pupils in sensory-based and practical activities.
• Use behaviour support strategies to promote emotional regulation and engagement.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience supporting children or young people with additional needs
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
• Flexibility, empathy, and a child-centred approach
• Ability to follow guidance while showing initiative and creativity

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects 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.