Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
Forest Moor is an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) special school based near Menwith Hill, just outside of Harrogate. It is a Key Stage 2 – 4 provision with around 130 students on roll in beautiful surroundings and now with a lovely building that is continuing to be refurbished to suit the needs of our students. Our aim is to provide the best possible care and education that we can for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
What will the apprentice be doing?
To work with teachers to support teaching and learning by working with individuals or small groups of pupils under the direction of teaching staff and may be responsible for some learning activities within the overall teaching plan. May work in the classroom or appropriate location within the school, with access to support and guidance as required.
- Support pre planned learning/behaviour activities as directed by the teacher
- Using agreed structured observation as directed by the class teacher to feedback on learning, behaviour, participation and achievement, to support the planning and evaluation of the learning process in respect of groups and individual students
- Interact with pupils in ways that support the development of their ability to think and learn, including the use of careful questioning
- Assist teachers in the implementation of appropriate behaviour management and teaching & learning strategies
- Support pupils in their social and emotional wellbeing, in implementing related programmes, including social, health and physical needs
- Assist in escorting and supervising pupils on educational visits and out of school activities
- Undertake break supervision as required
- Communicate effectively with all pupils, families, carers and other agencies / professionals
- Share information confidentially about pupils with teachers and other professional as required
- Pay due regard to professional boundaries, maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality
- Participate in staff meetings
- Prepare classroom materials and learning areas, and undertake minor clerical duties e.g. photocopying and displaying pupils work
- Support the use of ICT and adhere to relevant policies
- Supervise and provide access arrangements for pupils sitting internal and external examinations and tests as required, ensuring that examinations comply with the Examination Board Regulations
- Participate in appraisal, training and other learning activities
- To work with colleagues and others to maintain health, safety and welfare within the working environment
- Within own area of responsibility work in accordance with the aims of the Equality Policy Statement
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Other requirements
As a social, emotional and mental health school, our children face a range of challenges and difficulties which mean they can struggle to communicate appropriately. The school does not have direct bus routes however we offer a minibus drop-off service from Harrogate train station. The minibus picks staff up at 8:00am and leaves school at 4:00pm. This is free to access. Full DBS Required (this will be acquired by the school).
What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?
Progression onto Pastoral or Teaching Pathways through our trust
Annual wage
£23,893 per year
Expected duration
1 year 6 months
Hours
Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 16:00 Term time only + training days
37 hours 30 minutes a week
Start date
Monday 1 December 2025