Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice
Published: Mar 23, 2022
Ref: COURT2302
Courtlands School is looking to recruit a Level 3 Teaching Assistant to join their team in Plymouth.
The Apprentice’s Role
Courtlands is a friendly and ambitious special school who cater for primary aged (4 years – 11 years) children with Moderate Learning Difficulties and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Our innovative curriculum is based on meeting individual’s needs rather than schemes of work and provides a wide range of curriculum and therapeutic input. You see therapies many schools do not offer and a curriculum that invents and interests. You see learning organised to meet the developmental needs of the children and we have the confidence to buck the trend, stand out, and to aim for the outstanding.
We are looking for compassionate and resilient Apprentice Teaching Assistant to support the children in our school. You will be assigned to work with a particular class. You should be armed with flexibility and plenty of resilience to come back each day with a ‘new day’ attitude. You will be fully supported by the team of Teaching Assistants and our Teaching staff to get the best out of the children who attend Courtlands. You will also be assigned a mentor.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and motivated individual to work under the guidance of our experienced school staff. Many of our previous apprentices have gone on to gain successful employment as a teaching assistant at our school or another school of their choosing.
Support for students in accessing learning activities across the curriculum including Learning Outside the Classroom, as directed by Teacher/Senior Staff to include: –
- Support and encourage students to engage in learning activities, and promote positive relationships between all in the school community
– Assist with the supervision of students during off-site activities,
– Be aware of, and comply with Policies and Procedures relating to: – Child Protection; Health & Safety; Security; and Confidentiality – reporting all concerns to the Designated Person/s
- Be aware of, and support difference, and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
– Be an effective model of the expected behaviour of students, communicated through the use of trauma informed and trauma sensitive strategies. (Training provided)
– Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school
– Appreciate and support the role of other professionals, and maintain positive working relationships
– Attend relevant meetings as required
– Participate in training, learning activities, performance development, and maintain record of own professional development
Your duties will include:
– Promoting independence
– Employing a range of strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance for pupils/students
- Using specialist (curricular/learning) skills/training/experience to support pupils (training provided)
– Support the delivery of Individual Education Plans
– Marking of pupils’ work under guidance
– Encouraging pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all pupils in activities
– Undertake activities to assist teachers in the delivery of the curriculum
– Promote and ensure the health, safety and appropriate behaviour of pupils/students at all times
– Support the teacher by assisting in the production of lesson/work plans, worksheets etc. within an agreed system of supervision
– Provide objective feedback, as required, to the teacher on pupil achievement, progress and other matters
– Prepare and maintain curriculum equipment/resources as directed by the teacher to meet lesson plans/relevant learning activities
– May be required to assist in the handling of small amounts of money related to various school events, which are then handed over to school office staff for processing
- Operate office equipment in the provision of clerical and administrative support e.g. photocopier
- Support the intimate care of identified individuals within an agreed safeguarding structure
- Undertake other duties appropriate to the post
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Working Hours: 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, term time only, (39 weeks per year) this incorporates the 20% off the job training.
Wages: £4.30 Per hour (£139.75 per week).
Holiday: This apprenticeship will be term time with additional off-the-job training delivered during school holidays.
Courtlands is a friendly and ambitious special school who cater for primary aged (4 years – 11 years) children with Moderate Learning Difficulties and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Our innovative curriculum is based on meeting individual’s needs rather than schemes of work and provides a wide range of curriculum and therapeutic input.
You see therapies many schools do not offer and a curriculum that invents and interests. You see learning organised to meet the developmental needs of the children and we have the confidence to buck the trend, stand out, and to aim for the outstanding.
We currently have 4 Level 3 TA apprentices at Courtlands and have a long history of working together.
Past Apprentices
In the past we have employed apprentices- many continue to work full time for Transforming Futures Trust.
We currently have 4 members of staff who is an apprentice.
Skills Required
You will need to be able to listen carefully, follow instructions and set up activities. Have a keen interest in supporting young people within the ARC. Be able to communicate effectively with young people to support learning and development. Be flexible, committed and possess sound administrative and IT skills.
Personal Qualities
The candidate needs to be patient, resourceful, able to think quickly on their feet and compassionate. They need to have a good sense of humour and a resilient nature. An interest/understanding of autism and special educational needs would be an advantage.
You should be calm, confident and demonstrate a professional approach in your dealings with young people, staff, parents and external agencies
Prior Qualifications
5 x GCSEs, including Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent levels)
Additional Requirements
In order to be successful for this position, you will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This will be arranged by the employer after successfully completing the initial interview.
The Apprenticeship for a Teaching Assistant includes:
You will be allocated an assessor who will work with you throughout your programme, offering you support throughout. Mentoring and guidance will be given to you to enable you to succeed with your apprenticeship.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will have regular visits from your assessor who will monitor your progress and conduct observations within your workplace.
Whilst at Skills Group, you will learn the necessary skills and gain experience to help you throughout your role. Part of your training will be knowledge/theory based, with support sessions to help you complete the required tasks.
