Courtlands School

Do you enjoy working with children, contributing to their academic, physical and social well-being? We are looking for an individual who would like train to be a Level 3 Teaching Assistant in a Primary School within the Early Years Classroom. Courtland’s Special School Academy is part of the former ACE Multi Academy Trust, now Transforming Futures.

The Apprentice’s Role

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

Working Hours: Monday – Friday – 08:30 – 15:10.

Wages: £156.33 per week, based on a 32.5 hour week. You will be working 39 weeks per year.

Holiday: 13 weeks of holiday entitlement, in line with 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 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.

Courtlands also currently have 4 Level 3 TA apprentices and have a long history of successfully working together.

Skills Required

• Good written and oral communication skills
• Keyboard skills
• Confident
• Willing to learn
• Punctual

Personal Qualities

Team player, compassionate, and patient. Confidentiality and reliability is essential and a strong work ethic will need to be demonstrated.

Prior Qualifications

A good standard of English and Maths GCSE's or equivalent is desirable but not essential.

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Standard
• Learner Well Being

Over the course of your qualification, you will work towards achieving the Behaviours, Skills, and Knowledge of the course. Training will be provided with Skills Group where you will be allocated a highly skilled assessor and attend training sessions. You will have regular visits at the workplace from your designated assessor to observe your progress and competence as well as regular reviews to ensure that you are getting the most out of your apprenticeship.

Training will also be provided to enable you to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English (if required).
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.
You will have regular visits from your assessor, who will monitor your progress during your apprenticeship training and conduct observations within your workplace.
Whilst at the Skills Group and Courtlands Special School, you will learn the necessary skills and gain experience to help you throughout your role. Part of your training will be knowledge and theory based, with support sessions to help you with your project.