Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship at Chiltern Wood School Chiltern Wood School is a special educational needs school for pupils with severe and complex learning needs. Many of our children have a diagnosis of autism, as well as sensory processing disorders, speech and language difficulties, global delay and Down's Syndrome. Our school is spread across 3 sites in the Wycombe area: Cressex, Downley and Studley Green, and we work with pupils aged 3 to 19 years old. Apprenticeship Overview: Salary: £6.40 an hour, Automatic pay increase after one year on programme for 19 year olds Working week: Monday - Friday 8:30am till 3:30pm with a 30 minute lunch-break Hours: 32.5 hours per week Expected duration: 18 months Online apprenticeship training supported by our skilled tutors Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway Apprenticeship standard qualification Location: Verney Avenue, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3NE Our departments host children with severe and complex learning needs (including complex autism), who follow a life-skills curriculum to ensure they leave our school with the skills to live as independently as possible. You will be well supported by experienced and welcoming staff within a well-run, hard-working school who put the wellbeing of pupils and staff at the forefront. We pride ourselves on building positive relationships with our pupils, their families and supporting professionals to enable communication, physical, social and emotional development for each individual. Chiltern Wood follows a therapeutic approach and is well supported by occupational and speech and language therapists who work on-site. If you are interested in learning how to contribute purposefully to the educational and social development of children and young people and you feel you have the qualities to successfully attend to their welfare and emotional needs, we want to hear from you Previous experience is not essential as full training will be provided, however experience of a play-based approach would be beneficial. Training opportunities may include: Using a communication book / device Low arousal approach Behaviour and de-escalation Occupational therapy basics including sensory regulation Child protection Online safety and GDPR Administering medication Introduction to dysphagia Specific vacancy requirements: Candidates must be able and willing to conduct personal care support for our pupils. Candidates must have a good standard of written English to ensure observations are completed effectively. Candidates must speak English fluently, as a thorough understanding and quick action is sometimes needed when dealing with urgent situations involving medical needs or behaviour. Due to sensory and communication needs, some of our pupils may communicate their wants and needs through behaviour. The job can be physically demanding, and candidates must inform us of any reason that they know of that may affect their ability to carry out the duties of the role. Desired skills, qualities and qualifications: We are looking for candidates keen to learn more about a range of special needs, therapies (including speech and language therapy and occupational therapies) and medical needs. Candidates should be hands-on, proactive, a team player, good communicator and reliable. Experience in schools is desired but not essential. Experience of engagement through play would be useful. What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end? The successful candidate will obtain a Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND Pathway Apprenticeship standard qualification What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship? Potential full time employment for the right candidate upon successful completion of the apprenticeship InspireTA