Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Supporting learning

• Support individuals and small groups with English, maths, PSHE, life skills and vocational activities under the direction of staff.
• Help prepare resources and learning spaces, explain tasks clearly and adapt support to students’ needs as directed.
• Encourage participation, independence and confidence, recognising effort and celebrating progress.
• Support agreed learning targets and SEND strategies; share observations with teaching staff to inform planning and review.
• Assist with practical sessions, including hair and beauty, childcare or health and social care, following staff instructions and activity risk assessments.

Supporting wellbeing and engagement

• Build consistent, respectful relationships and listen to students without judgement.
• Help students manage emotions and develop positive learning behaviours, using agreed approaches and seeking staff support when needed.
• Encourage attendance, participation and positive routines, sharing concerns promptly with the appropriate staff member.
• Support safe transitions, breaks and activities under the supervision arrangements set by the provision.

Safeguarding and professional practice

• Complete safeguarding induction and training, follow the provision’s policies and report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Be professionally curious about changes in attendance, presentation or behaviour; record factual observations and escalate concerns rather than investigate them.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and secure handling of student information. Never promise a student secrecy about a safeguarding concern.
• Follow health and safety procedures, risk assessments and agreed supervision arrangements. Report accidents, hazards and incidents promptly.
• Work within the limits of the apprentice role. Seek guidance and undertake specialist activities only after appropriate training and authorisation.

Teamwork and record keeping

• Work cooperatively with teachers, the SEND lead, pastoral staff and other colleagues to provide consistent support.
• Keep accurate records of learning, engagement and incidents as directed, using approved systems.
• Attend relevant meetings within agreed working hours and contribute observations constructively.
• Communicate with parents, carers, referring schools and professionals only as directed by the responsible staff member

Apprenticeship learning and development

• Attend East Durham College one day per month as part of the apprenticeship.
• Complete college work throughout the qualification, including assignments and portfolio evidence, meeting agreed deadlines.
• Participate in training, progress reviews and end-point assessment following the 18-month course and 3-month assessment timetable.
• Use feedback and supervision to develop skills, reflect on practice and identify areas for improvement.
• Complete any English and maths learning required by the training provider and applicable apprenticeship rules.
• College attendance and required off-the-job training, including college work, will be included within paid working hours. The employer and East Durham College will agree the monthly attendance day and study time within the term-time working pattern.