Apprentice Teaching Assistant
Penbridge Infants and Junior School, working across the school sites
£7.66 an hour, Monday-Friday (term time only), 30 hours a week
This role is subject to a successful DBS check
We require a Teaching Assistant to join us to work across our Penbridge Schools. You will be willing to take the opportunity to play a full part in the further development of our school and join us in our aims to make learning irresistible and to provide a nurturing and safe environment for everyone. The successful applicant will be helping students in our Inclusion Centre as well as the wider school.
Formally known as Penhale Infant School and Newbridge Junior School, we officially joined together in September 2022 to form Penbridge Primary School. The infants site comprises of a nursery for 30 children and a 2-form entry infant school with 180 children on the roll including 16 in our Rainbow Fish Inclusion Unit.
At Penbridge Schools, we are a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. This enables us to create a unique offer for children: an "all-through" educational journey in which they remain with the same family of schools throughout their education.
Penbridge School is one of five primary schools and one secondary school in Portsmouth to benefit from Thinking Schools' award-winning resources, curriculum, and collaboration opportunities.
Supporting the class teacher in the teaching and welfare of pupils in accordance with school policy to meet the Schools Aims. There may be a requirement to work with pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans or additional educational needs throughout the Key Stages.
Principal responsibilities/duties
Curriculum Support
- Assist with the planning of learning activities by identifying and preparing resources required to support lesson plans, learning outcomes
- To plan and deliver precision teaching
- The preparation of materials/equipment (e.g. books, pencils, art supplies, sort games, AVA equipment) preparing and clearing up activities with the pupils
- Maintaining classroom resources and designated areas
- Assisting with all activities to support learning outcomes using the teachers planned teaching and learning method
- Providing unobtrusive guidance and support to enable pupils to find answers to questions and tasks set, using knowledge of each pupil’s differing levels of development and ability to ensure progression and continuity
- Supervise individual or small groups of pupils undertaking teacher–led learning activities by coordinating and explaining basic instructions for the activity, adjusting activities within the scope of the lesson plan and learning outcomes in response to pupils’ learning
- Assisting pupil achievement by monitoring learning against learning outcomes, informing the teacher of progress/problems
- Assist pupils to develop their independence through undertaking tasks
- Support the development of literacy and numeracy skills of pupils from a wide variety of backgrounds
- Administer and mark routine tests with clearly defined predetermined answers
- Invigilate exams as required
- Ensure that pupils work and play together positively and cooperatively, with good behaviour
- Arrange classroom layout to create a positive learning environment including arranging classroom displays
General School Support
- Assist with special activities in the school within school hours (e.g. sports days, plays, concerts, open days) accompany on school visits, projects
- Provide clerical and administrative support, e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, collation of pupil reports
- Report student and school issues in line with the School’s policies for health and safety, child protection, behaviour management etc.
- Attend meetings and training sessions as required
Skills
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Good organisational skills
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work off of own initiative and also as part of a team
Personal qualities
- Enjoy working with children and be enthusiastic about education
- Have a calm, positive and kind approach and be creative, resilient, flexible and resourceful
- Have high expectations and commitment to inspire children to achieve their very best
- Be able to inspire children and deliver exciting learning opportunities
- Have a calm, positive and kind approach
- Committed to self-development
Qualifications
GCSE 9-4/A*-C in English and maths or Functional Skills Level 2 in both. Proof of certificates is required.
Due to the demands of the role, applications with less than the required grades will not be considered. Equally, applications received without stating GCSE maths and English/Functional Skills/equivalent results will not be considered.
What does the programme include?
The Level 3 Apprenticeship provides individuals with a sound knowledge base that can support them in undertaking further learning and development of their careers in youth work and related areas. These include:
- Advanced Level Apprenticeship in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
- Play work or Youth work for those wishing to transfer to other areas working with children and young people
This pathway also offers the participant a doorway into the teaching profession, offering the chance to work in a variety of educational settings with children of all ages. The experience gained from this apprenticeship in the practical teaching environment is invaluable.
What attendance is required?
Attendance at College will be required on weekly or monthly basis and may be needed during the school holidays. Time spent training will come under the working hours per week.
Learning and assessment
Apprentices will spend typically 18 months on-programme working towards the apprenticeship standard, with a minimum of six hours a week off-the-job training. Off the job can consist of college attendance, homework/coursework, project related work, employer training, mentoring, and coaching. In addition, they will need to complete a portfolio of evidence to support the professional discussion.
The end point assessment (EPA) must be completed within a 3 month period after the apprentice has met the EPA gateway requirements.
The EPA consists of two distinct assessment methods:
- Practical observation with questions and answers
- Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence
Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of distinction, pass or fail.
Things to keep in mind
- All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced DBS check and successful reference requests
- Employee wellness programmes
- Company pension
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship, and subject to progress as an employee, Penbridge Infants and Junior School would like to offer you a full time job.