Teaching Assistant (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)

Location: Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire
Salary: Up to £22,495 (Depending on experience)
Sector: Education Services / SEND & SEMH Specialists
Application Deadline: 24th July 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 27th July 2026

At Supportive Bridge Staffing, we believe in building bridges between exceptional people and the rewarding careers they deserve. We are proud to partner with an outstanding independent specialist school within the Compass Community network to find a resilient, compassionate Teaching Assistant for a 12-month fixed-term contract in Sowerby Bridge.

If you are a dedicated individual who wants to advocate for children and bring a trauma-informed approach to the classroom, this is your opportunity to shine.

About the Environment: Therapeutic & Child-Centred

This specialist school provides a high-quality, therapeutic environment for children who come from a wide range of backgrounds. All the students navigate Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and many also have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.

The work here is both deeply varied and challenging. As a trauma- and attachment-informed organisation, the school places the child at the very center of decision-making. Education professionals, therapists, local authorities, and families work in close triangulation to ensure outstanding outcomes for every student.

The Role: Dynamic, Adaptable, and Meaningful

As a Teaching Assistant, you will quickly learn that no two days—and no two children—are the same. The pupils require special adults who can safely navigate complex and challenging behaviours with a non-judgmental, flexible, and consistent approach. You need to be resilient, solution-focused, and ready to wear many different hats at a moment's notice!

Your day-to-day may involve:

Classroom Support: Assisting teachers, managing resources, and creating amazing displays that support learning.
Direct Interaction: Working 1:1 with students or leading small group sessions.
Social & Emotional Growth: Sharing lunch with children who struggle socially, playing board games, and running engaging activities like science experiments.
Community Engagement: Accompanying children on educational trips and visits.
Safety & Care: Managing heightened behaviours with a calm presence to keep children safe.
Therapeutic Practice: Partaking in therapy sessions, reflecting on difficult periods, and celebrating every success.

Your Voice is Valued: You won't just be executing someone else's plan. The school actively encourages TAs to be part of the decision-making process. You are invited to bring your own personal passions and interests to the table to help shape both the academic curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities.

What We Offer (Benefits & Rewards)

Competitive Salary: Up to £22,495.
Professional Development: Extensive training and opportunities to gain professional qualifications.
Strong Support Systems: Small class sizes with specialist TA support and regular therapeutic, supportive supervision.
Career Growth: Be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognizes effort and potential, actively growing its own leadership teams.
Health & Well-being: Enhanced occupational sickness scheme and access to dedicated wellbeing services.
Financial Perks: Flexible pension, employee benefit services with salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, and discounts on dining out and takeaways.

What You Bring

A resilient, persistent, and solution-focused attitude.
The ability to provide a calm, consistent, and highly communicative environment for children with complex needs.
A passion for child advocacy and an interest in trauma-informed educational care.

Safeguarding & Inclusion

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

All staff are expected to hold or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS check (or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity) and undergo social media due diligence screening.
The school is an equal-opportunity employer that champions diversity, culture, and unique perspectives in the workplace to best support their young people.