Apprentice Teaching Assistant Level 3

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College; Bristol; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking educational institution is seeking dedicated Teaching Assistants to support diverse learners in a nurturing environment. This role involves working closely with pupils, including those with special educational needs, to enhance their learning experiences. You will engage with students in various educational settings, promoting self-belief and inclusion while assisting teachers in delivering tailored teaching activities. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills alongside experienced staff, paving the way for future career progression in the educational sector.

Qualifications

• Support pupils with special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities.
• Deliver tailored teaching activities to engage pupils in learning.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in managing pupil behavior and promoting positive behavior.
• Provide feedback to teachers on pupils' progress and help with lesson planning.

Skills

Customer care skills

Creativity

Initiative

Non-judgemental attitude

Education

GCSE English (grade 4 and above)

GCSE Maths (grade 4 and above)

Job description

The work involves supporting children individually, in groups, or as a whole class in schools. You will engage with pupils across a range of abilities and undertake duties that support the teacher, such as preparing the classroom. Some TAs work exclusively with pupils with special educational needs (SEN) or with those with other specific needs.

Salary will be discussed further at interview.

Training course

Teaching Assistant (Level 3)

Hours

Monday-Friday, exact hours to be agreed between the apprentice and your manager.
30 hours a week

Start date: Monday 01 September

Duration

1 Year 6 Months

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and gain hands-on experience. You’ll develop new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Teaching Assistants work in Primary, Special, and Secondary education across all age ranges, including pupils with special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities.

The primary role of the Teaching Assistant is to support the class teacher in enhancing pupils’ learning, either in groups or individually, ensuring pupils understand the work set, know their learning objectives, and stay on task to make progress.

Promoting self-belief, social inclusion, and high self-esteem is vital for pupils’ well-being; ensuring they thrive in a positive, nurturing, safe environment.

It is an active role supporting learners to access the curriculum. They serve as good role models, act with honesty and integrity, participate in team meetings, and contribute to planning and class activities. Promoting Fundamental British Values through spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development and positive behaviors is crucial for improving pupil progress and development.

Job Description of a Teaching Assistant

The duties depend on your experience and training. Generally, you'll need to:

• Deliver tailored teaching activities to pupils on a one-to-one basis or in small groups
• Ensure pupils you support are able to engage in learning and stay on task
• Support the social and emotional development of pupils, reporting issues when necessary
• Assist the teacher in managing challenging pupil behavior and promoting positive behavior
• Listen to pupils read and read to pupils as a class, group, or one-to-one
• Guide and monitor pupil progress
• Help with lesson planning
• Provide regular feedback to teachers on pupils' progress
• Carry out administrative duties, such as preparing classroom resources
• Look after pupils who have had accidents, need help dressing, or are upset
• Create art displays of pupils' artwork
• Support outside normal classes, e.g., during exams, covering TA absences, or school trips
• Assist with extracurricular activities like breakfast and after-school clubs, homework clubs, revision sessions, or lunchtime duties
• Supervise other support staff
• Coordinate specific teaching support areas once experienced

Where you’ll work

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or training organization. At least 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to training or studying.

College or training organization

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

SGS College will support apprentices in building their portfolio to cover the knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the apprenticeship standard.

Learning will be followed by the final End Point Assessment, which includes a practical observation with Q&A, portfolio submission, and a Professional Discussion.

Full-time apprentices typically spend 18 months working towards the apprenticeship standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.

An assigned tutor will support the apprentice in completing their Portfolio and preparing for the End Point Assessment, with regular 1:1s and progress reviews every 8-12 weeks.

Requirements

GCSEs in:

• English (grade 4 and above)

GCSEs in:

• Maths (grade 4 and above)

Skills

• Customer care skills
• Creativity
• Initiative
• Non-judgemental attitude

Other requirements

You will need to pass an enhanced background check (DBS). Due to the age range of children you will work with, this employer is seeking candidates aged 19 or older, as you will be supporting 16-year-olds.

About this company

BFS is a thriving community secondary school with Sixth Form, serving 1250 students and their families. BFS has a unique legacy, created by the local community to serve families from Westbury-on-Trym and nearby areas. BFS is ambitious, aiming to ensure every child makes excellent progress and experiences opportunities that develop the whole person. We want our students to leave with confidence and a strong belief in their potential, equipped to thrive in a fast-changing world. Community, Ambition, Opportunity.

After this apprenticeship

Besides achieving full competency as a Teaching Assistant, this standard provides a foundation for potential career progression within the educational sector, including roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher, and Teacher.