Apprentice Teaching Assistant

We are looking for talented apprentice teaching assistants to join our growing team of staff. If you feel you have what it takes to work with us and feel passionate about meeting the needs of our student's, we would very much like to hear from you.

What you'll do

• To help to provide a stable, caring and supportive learning environment
• To be sensitive to times when you will need to step back in order for pupils to achieve their full learning potential
• To facilitate social and moral development
• To support pupils who may present serious challenges in their learning and or behaviour
• To support learners in becoming more readily engaged in activities
• To support on a one to one basis or in groups
• To feel comfortable and confident with very diverse learners
• To assist the class teacher and/or Senior TA with record keeping
• Support the teaching and learning processes.

Typically the job will include all, or most of the following elements:

• Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of pupils' general and specific learning needs to ensure that support is given to them at an appropriate level working within a duty of care framework

Learning support is delivered individually and in groups through a range of strategies, these may involve:

• Supporting and directing literacy and numeracy tasks, simplifying direction and communicating it appropriately
• Work with and support pupils to ensure they are able to use ICT and other specialist equipment to enhance their learning, using and maintaining a range of specialist resources
• Be creative in making activities accessible for all learners
• Motivate and encourage pupils to concentrate on and fulfil the tasks set – but not doing it for them!
• Undertake learning activities with pupils to ensure a differentiated approach is used to access the curriculum and achieve success
• Seek to ensure the promotion and reinforcement of pupils' self esteem, appropriate levels of effort and behaviour and to guide pupils to become independent learners acting as an effective role model to support appropriate behaviour in others
• Contribute to the assessment of pupils' learning, in all national curriculum subjects and life skills teaching
• To join in with class discussions about the assessment of learners and promote independence
• To establish effective constructive relationships
• Assist teaching staff in the development of learning strategies, with the provision of teaching and learning resources and in the preparation and maintenance of a safe, secure and suitable learning environment

After the apprenticeship

Potential of a permanent role for the right person.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 4 (or Level 2 equivalent))
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 4 (or Level 2 equivalent))

About the employer

Polden Bower, is a 160-place special school and has the specialist resources needed to meet the needs of our students. state-of-the-art facilities for all the children and young people, this includes a warm water pool for physiotherapy; a sports hall; a sensory room; and fully accessible classrooms with the latest teaching technology. This is a very exciting time to be joining a growing Federation. We are working in partnership with Willow Vale School which is the PRU within Bridgwater.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Teaching assistant (level 3), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: SOMERSET SKILLS & LEARNING CIC
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• Hours: 32.5 hours a week. Working week: 32.5 hours per week.

Monday, 08.45 - 16.45. Tuesday - Friday, 08.45 - 15.30.

Term time only, plus INSET (39 weeks per year).

• Start date: 20 November 2026
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £13,520 a year