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- Tasks: Support children with learning difficulties in a fun and engaging environment.
- Company: Briarwood is a Bristol-based school dedicated to empowering children with complex needs.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, attend college one day a week, and enjoy a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing valuable skills for your future.
- Qualifications: Empathy, communication skills, and a positive attitude are essential; must pass an enhanced DBS check.
- Other info: This apprenticeship offers a pathway to advanced roles in education.
We are seeking to appoint Teaching Assistants at our fantastic special school. You will be required to work with pupils who have severe and profound learning difficulties. Many pupils exhibit challenging behaviours and are within the Autistic Spectrum.
Salary will be discussed further at interview.
Training course: Teaching assistant (Level 3)
Hours: Exact hours to be agreed, but you will attend college one day a week. 30 hours a week
Start date: Monday, 01 September
Duration: 1 Year 6 Months
Work: As an apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience working at a company, developing new skills alongside experienced staff.
What you'll do at work:
- Under the guidance of teaching staff, provide direct support for individual children or groups to achieve progress and targets by:
- Supporting activities following planning
- Reporting behaviour observations to teachers
- Facilitating children's physical, emotional, and educational development through activities and play
- Supervising and encouraging safe behaviour
- Reinforcing structured learning routines defined by teachers
- Preparing, storing, retrieving, and displaying learning materials
- Supporting achievement standards and providing feedback
- Monitoring and reviewing children's learning progress
- Gathering and making resources as directed
- Attending to children's daily needs inside and outside the classroom
- Providing personal, social, hygiene, welfare, and behaviour support
- Tracking individual children's progress towards goals
- Promoting effective pastoral care and liaising with colleagues
- Reporting concerns about progress
- Assisting educational and therapeutic professionals with support programmes
- Carrying out medical procedures following training
- Contributing to assessments through observation and record keeping
- Delivering food according to personal meal plans
- Carrying out personal care routines, including manual handling
- Promoting safe working practices to ensure a safe environment
Roles are based at various locations.
Training: An apprenticeship includes regular training at a college or training organisation. At least 20% of working hours will be dedicated to training or studying.
College or training organisation: South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Skills required:
- Empathy, listening, communication, and rapport-building skills
- Knowledge of the role within an educational environment
- Ability to work with pupils individually and in small groups under supervision
- Awareness of child protection and safeguarding
- Ability to communicate effectively in English
- Positive attitude towards education
- Energy, enthusiasm, perseverance
- Reliability and integrity
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Suitability to work with children
- Must pass an enhanced DBS check
More information about background checks: https://www.gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role
About Briarwood: Briarwood is a Bristol-based school providing education, care, and life experiences for children aged 3-19 with severe and profound learning difficulties, complex needs, autism, and sensory impairments. The school operates across three sites in East-Central Bristol, including Briarwood Infants, Juniors, Secondary, Sixth Form, and The Nexus, a centre for pupils with challenging behaviours. Briarwood values that all pupils should enjoy their time, engage, and learn to their full potential.
After this apprenticeship: This apprenticeship not only ensures competency as a Teaching Assistant but also provides a foundation for career progression in education, including roles such as Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher, and Teacher.
Apprentice Teaching Assistant Level 3 employer: South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Contact Detail:
South Gloucestershire and Stroud College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Teaching Assistant Level 3
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties. Understanding autism and challenging behaviours will help you demonstrate your commitment and readiness to support these children effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage in volunteer work or shadowing opportunities at special schools or similar environments. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also show us your dedication to working in this field.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who work with special needs. Attend workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios involving challenging behaviours. We want to see your problem-solving skills and your ability to remain calm and supportive in difficult situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Teaching Assistant Level 3
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Apprentice Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that reflects your passion for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share any relevant experiences or motivations that make you a suitable candidate for this apprenticeship.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles or experiences, particularly in educational settings.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties. Share examples from your past experiences where you have shown empathy and support to individuals in need.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Make sure to discuss your communication and rapport-building skills. Provide specific instances where you've successfully worked with children or in educational settings, emphasising your ability to adapt to different situations.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle challenging behaviours. Prepare scenarios where you effectively managed difficult situations, focusing on your strategies for promoting positive behaviour and ensuring a safe environment.
✨Research Briarwood's Values
Familiarise yourself with Briarwood's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly regarding the importance of providing a supportive and engaging learning environment for all pupils.
