Apprentice Teaching Assistant

What is the job role?

Apprentice Teaching Assistant – Join Our Team at Castle Wood School

Would you like to be one of our new Apprentice Teaching Assistants?

Come and join our dedicated team at Castle Wood, a vibrant and innovative broad-spectrum special needs school for children aged 3 to 11.

We are currently looking to fill several Apprentice Teaching Assistant vacancies, with positions starting at Easter 2025. As part of the classroom team, you will work across the school and provide support to colleagues as needed.

You will be supporting children with a variety of special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down’s Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD), as well as other overlapping conditions. Some children may be non-verbal or have challenging behaviours.

The successful candidates will work alongside experienced staff to develop the knowledge and skills needed for this role, all while completing a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.

Our vision is ‘Together, Children First’, and we are looking for individuals who demonstrate a can-do attitude, are eager to learn, and want to grow professionally. You will need to use your initiative, be committed and dedicated, and have the ability to work effectively as part of a team. You will support children with varying needs, including profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work as part of the classroom team, supporting colleagues within the class and across the school, under the direction of the class teacher and the school leadership team.

• Help create a safe and supportive learning environment that aligns with the school’s vision and values.

• Stay informed about current trends in education by attending training, reading relevant materials, and sharing knowledge with colleagues. Gain the skills required to support children with a range of Special Educational Needs (SEN).

• Assist in preparing and maintaining the classroom environment, including tidying and organizing resources under the direction of the class teacher.

• Help implement individualized learning programs for students, keeping accurate records, marking students' work, and maintaining learning journals and exercise books.

• Contribute to the tracking of students’ progress and attainment.

We Offer:

• An exciting training program to help develop your skills.

• A supportive mentor to guide you through your apprenticeship.

• The opportunity to work with fabulous, enthusiastic children.

• A welcoming and supportive school team.

• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from various disciplines.

• A Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Teaching Assistance.

• Excellent work-life balance.

• Access to occupational health services, including counselling.

• Discounts and rewards, including cycle-to-work schemes and childcare vouchers.

Working Hours:

• Monday to Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

• Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

• Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

While there may be opportunities for a permanent position after the apprenticeship, this is not guaranteed.

Key Requirements:

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As such, appointment will be conditional on the receipt of a satisfactory response to a police records check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Castle Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

When applying, please detail the skills, knowledge, and experience you believe will help you succeed as an Apprentice Teaching Assistant. Also, explain why you are interested in working in a special school environment. Be sure to include your preferred start date in your application.

Due to the high volume of applications expected, we are unable to respond to each individual application. If you have not heard from us by the end of February 2025, your application has unfortunately been unsuccessful.

Who are we looking for?

Requirements and Prospects

Desired Skills:

• Experience working with children in an educational setting (primary age or special needs children) is desirable, but not required.

• Knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or a willingness to learn.

• A genuine interest in working with and engaging children.

• A basic understanding of child development principles and learning processes.

• Ability to comply with the school’s Child Protection, Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities policies, and implement relevant behavioural policies.

• Good communication and listening skills.

• Proficiency in basic word processing, email, and databases for school-based record keeping.

Personal Qualities:

• Able to build positive relationships with both children and adults.

• Capable of reviewing a pupil’s performance and providing feedback to the teacher on progress and target achievement.

• Able to work independently while keeping others informed (verbally and in writing, e.g. emails, record sheets).

• Understands the importance of confidentiality when required.

• Demonstrates patience, cooperation, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a caring nature.

• Ability to take initiative and contribute to a positive learning environment.

• Clear understanding of roles and responsibilities in supporting pupils' learning.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has:

• A strong general education, with a good level of English and Maths (Level 2 or equivalent preferred).

• Excellent communication skills.

• The ability to use relevant technology and equipment.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• A commitment to the happiness, well-being, self-esteem, and progress of all members of the school community.

• The personal skills required to form positive relationships with children, parents, and carers.

• High aspirations for both pupils and themselves.

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths, grade 4 or above.

Closing date: Note, adverts shut off at midnight on your closing date: Sunday 2nd February 2025

Interview date: w/c 3rd February 2025 (TBC)

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.