Are you interested in getting paid to work and train at the same time?

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our committed and dedicated team of SEND staff, on a temporary fixed term basis for 18-24 months duration, as an Apprentice Level 3 Teaching Assistant. 

The School:

The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, part of the Woodard family of schools, is an oversubscribed and well-established 11–18 Academy, located between Worthing and Brighton and serving the students of Lancing, Sompting and Shoreham. The Academy sits proudly within the local community. Our aim is that every student is known and nurtured and is provided with teaching and learning experiences that allow them to fulfil their potential.

Quotes from full Ofsted inspection report October 2021: Rating of “Good” in all areas:

"Pupils, parents and carers feel proud of their school…one parent told us ‘we are really impressed with the school, the ethos and the staff’.”

“The school’s behaviour policy is well understood and applied by teachers. As a result, low-level disruption is rare.

We have an established SEND team at SRWA, including 8 enthusiastic and dedicated Apprentice TAs, some of whom are approaching the end of their temporary Level 3 training programmes and are looking to move into permanent TA roles elsewhere. As such, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join our committed and dedicated team of SEND staff, on a temporary fixed term basis for 18-24 months duration, as an Apprentice Level 3 Teaching Assistant. 

The Role:

Under the direction of the SENDCo and teaching staff, to support targeted SEND students across the curriculum, to help them fulfil their potential.

This is an important role working closely with young people and a fantastic opportunity for someone with the right skills and attributes who wants to make a difference to the life experiences and achievements of our students.

Quote from a former Apprentice Teaching Assistant at SRWA:

“Being a TA Apprentice has been a great way to start off my career working in education while making a difference to young people. Through this role I have learnt so much about the world of education and Special Educational Needs that will help me as I continue working in Education. Not only that, but it's been a valuable opportunity to make a difference to young people through some very turbulent years for them”.

The Training:

Alongside the TA work experience, 20% of the 37 weekly contracted working hours will be allocated to training for a nationally-recognised Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, delivered externally by Academies Enterprise Trust. During the 2 year Apprenticeship, you will be assigned a Trainer Assessor from Academies Enterprise Trust to work with you on the Apprenticeship programme. You may also be required to complete Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths in your own time, if you cannot evidence English and Maths GCSE passes.

The Person:

The successful candidates will:

• have recent and relevant experience of working with children, preferably experienced in SEND needs
• be able to evidence GCSE passes in English and Maths
• have well-developed IT skills and be comfortable working with technology
• be a team player, who understands the importance of this role in supporting teaching and learning
• be well-organised with high professional and personal standards
• have a warm and confident approach and be able to establish good working relationships with students, staff and carers
• have a positive ‘can do’ approach
• have an understanding of safeguarding procedures and the need for confidentiality.

The Hours, Remuneration and Benefits:

These are term time (+inset days), temporary/fixed term positions: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm (3.30pm finish on Fridays). SRWA offer an Enhanced Apprentice Pay Rate of £7.49ph (actual salary circa £12,375 per annum) (well over the National Minimum Apprentice Wage of £5.28ph) from the start of the Apprenticeship programme, irrespective of age.  After 12 months, those aged 19 or over will receive a higher hourly rate in line with National Minimum Wage. The fixed term contract is 18-24 months duration.

SRWA staff benefit from the following:

• free employee assistance programme, dedicated staff wellbeing space and 1-1 mental health booster sessions available;
• free use of the Academy’s fitness suite;
• generous employer contribution pension scheme of 21.5%;
• free on site car parking and easy access to local public transport;
• cycle to work scheme.
• free flu jabs.

CVs will not be accepted. Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate they meet the essential requirements in the Person Specification will be considered eligible for shortlisting.

Please note we reserve the right to interview and appoint any strong candidates applying before the advertised deadline and to close the advert at any time before the deadline date, should a sufficient number of strong applications be received.