Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Coventry City Council; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent local education authority in Coventry is seeking Apprentice Teaching Assistants to join their dedicated team at Castle Wood School. The role involves supporting children aged 3 to 11 with diverse special needs while gaining a Level 3 Apprenticeship. Candidates should have a can-do attitude, good communication skills, and a commitment to educational values. This contract position offers a competitive hourly wage and the potential for growth within the organization. Working hours include Monday to Friday with weekends off.

Benefits

Exciting training program

Supportive mentor

Access to occupational health services

Discounts and rewards

Qualifications

• Strong general education with at least 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A commitment to promoting the well-being and progress of all members of the school community.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the classroom team to support colleagues.
• Help create a safe, supportive learning environment.
• Assist in maintaining and organising the classroom environment and resources.

Skills

Experience with children in educational settings

Strong communication skills

Basic understanding of child development

Education

At least 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths

Job description

Job Type: Contract Job Sector: Education Region: West Midlands Location: Coventry Castle Wood School, 50 Deedmore Road, Coventry Salary Description: £10.00ph for first year, after this rates are paid according to age Posted: 18/12/2025 Recruiter: Coventry City Council Job Ref: coventrycc/TP/94874/12013 Job Views: 1

Join our passionate team at Castle Wood, a vibrant special needs school supporting pupils aged 3 to 11 with a range of needs, including PMLD, SLD, ASD, and complex behavioural challenges. As an Apprentice Teaching Assistant, you'll work alongside experienced staff to gain skills and complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship. We're looking for individuals with a can-do attitude, a strong commitment, and the ability to work well in a team. You'll support children with diverse needs, including profound and multiple learning difficulties, all while growing professionally. 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.

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.

Our Values

The school values are honesty, integrity, trust, empathy, respect. Our vision, "Together, children first," reflects our belief that everyone plays a vital role in helping our pupils reach their full potential.

What is the job role?

We are currently looking for Apprentice Teaching Assistants with positions starting as soon as possible in the New Year. 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the classroom team to support colleagues, under the direction of the class teacher and leadership team.
• Help create a safe, supportive learning environment aligned with the school’s vision and values.
• Stay updated on educational trends through training, reading, and sharing knowledge, while gaining skills to support students with SEN.
• Assist in maintaining and organising the classroom environment and resources.
• Implement individualized learning programs, keep accurate records, and assist with marking and maintaining learning materials.
• Contribute to tracking and assessing students' progress and attainment.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with children in educational settings or a willingness to learn about Special Educational Needs (SEN).
• Strong communication skills, basic tech proficiency, and a commitment to the school’s policies and child protection guidelines.
• Basic understanding of child development and ability to provide constructive feedback to support pupil progress.

Personal Qualities:

• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with children and adults, while maintaining confidentiality.
• Patience, adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and a caring nature to support diverse learning needs.
• Initiative to contribute to a positive learning environment and ensure pupil progress.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has:

• Strong general education with at least 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths, grade 4/equivalent or above.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A commitment to promoting the well‑being and progress of all members of the school community, with high aspirations for both pupils and themselves.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS. 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.