Teaching Assistant Apprentice

The role of the teaching assistant apprentice is to assist teachers in providing a learning environment to support the development and educational needs of pupils, to encourage pupils to become independent learners, to ensure their safety and welfare, and to support the inclusion of pupils in all aspects of school life.

The teaching assistant will be expected to be flexible and to provide assistance wherever needed. This will not always be within a specific classroom. Teaching assistants may be required to work on a 1:1 basis and/or with different groups of pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This may be in any area of the school.

• Supporting the Trust’s aims and ethos


•  Providing targeted support to any individuals and groups, including those pupils with English as an additional language or special educational needs, as required


• Contributing to planning for teaching and learning


• Supporting the teaching of the Paradigm Trust curriculum, helping pupils with activities which develop their literacy and numeracy skills


• Delivering structured intervention and catch-up programmes to groups


• Using a range of support methods and resources, including ICT, appropriate to the needs of individuals and groups, as directed by their line manager


• Supporting the organisation of the learning environment, including the production, maintenance, and storage of resources


• Meeting regularly with the assistant principal, SEND manager, and/or teachers during contracted hours to discuss pupils’ progress and to plan and review support


• Attending formal meetings during contracted hours to discuss pupils’ progress with parents/carers and other professionals as part of the relevant staff group


• Undertaking supervision of playground activities as directed


• Undertaking care tasks relating to pupils’ physical welfare in accordance with national guidance and procedures


•  Accompanying pupils and teachers on educational visits during contracted hours


• Ensuring that an appropriate level of spoken and written English is modelled with pupils at all times


• Respecting the confidentiality of pupil information and responding sensitively to pupils’ needs


• Being aware of the particular learning and physical needs of the pupils supported


• Actively participating in the Trust’s performance management scheme, as specified in the school policy, meeting regularly with the postholder’s line manager, in accordance with the scheme, ensuring that performance standards and targets are set and met within the agreed time scale


• Undertaking relevant and appropriate professional development during contracted hours


• Attending staff meetings within contracted hours, as required


• Making proactive and regular use of communication arrangements within the Trust, including email, so as to stay up to date and informed


• Undertaking other similar duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post


• Actively supporting and complying with all Trust policies and procedures e.g., health and safety, equal opportunities, child protection and behaviour