What skills and experience we're looking for
An exciting opportunity has arisen at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy for an Apprentice Teaching Assistant to work with an experienced and highly motivated team of professionals.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our team. The successful candidate will:
• establish good relationships with students, acting as a role model and responding appropriately to individual needs
• work with the teacher to establish an appropriate learning environment
• prepare the classroom as directed for lessons, and clear afterwards, and assist with the display of students' work
• support the movement of students with disabilities around the academy site
• participate in the handling of students with disabilities
• support students consistently, whilst recognising and responding to their individual needs
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualities:
• effective communication skills
• IT skills
• organisation skills
• problem solving skills
• presentation skills
• administrative skills
• number skills
• analytical skills
• be logical
• pay attention to detail
• be a team player
• be creative
• use their initiative
• be non-judgemental
• be patient
• possess an excellent timekeeping and attendance record
The qualifications below are essential to access the apprenticeship programme:
• GCSE or equivalent Functional Skills Mathematics and English (Grade Level 2) essential
• GCSE or equivalent Mathematics and English (Grade C/4 or above) essential
Upon completion of the 18-month apprenticeship programme, the candidate will:
• have undertaken an advanced Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. All training will take place on site in the workplace
• understand how pupils learn and develop
• know how to work with teachers to support assessments
• have gained knowledge of curriculum
• know how to develop strategies to support and encourage pupils to move towards independent learning
• have gained communication and teamwork skills
• know how to solve problems and motivate pupils
• know how to build relationships
• have gained professional standards in teaching and education
As well as ensuring full competency as a Teaching Assistant, this standard provides a foundation for potential progression into a number of career paths in the Educational sector including Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Assistant Teacher and Teacher.
Sir Thomas Wharton Academy already has a strong team of professionals delivering high quality learning in and out of the classroom who work together to achieve our Academy vision ‘to deliver exceptional learning experiences that enable all young people to thrive in a competitive world and lead successful and fulfilling lives’. If you feel you would like to be a part of that team and could make a valuable contribution to driving standards and performance to the next level, we would like to hear from you.
The ideal candidate will:
• be committed to Maltby Learning Trust's Vision and Values and the Academy's Key Drivers.
• be a driven, proactive, and positive individual with an unwavering commitment to continuously improving their own standards.
• have a true growth mindset, exceptional work ethic and a sense of humour.
• have the ability to inspire and enthuse students
• be confident, approachable, firm and fair
• be committed to raising standards for all
• have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new ideas
• be an excellent professional with high expectations of all learners and staff within the team.
• have the knowledge and experience of the context in which Sir Thomas Wharton Academy operates.
Maltby Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post involves working with children and therefore, if successful, you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at an enhanced level. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at
For further information regarding the position at the academy, please contact: Mrs N Winder, PA to the Principal at n.winder@stwacademy.com.
For further information regarding the apprenticeship programme, please contact: Ms Amanda Ogley at a.ogley@barnsley.ac.uk.
The 'Application Form', 'Role Description' and 'Person Specification' can be accessed from this link: Maltby Learning Trust - careers.
Closing Date: Monday 13 January 2025 at 9:00 am
What the school offers its staff
In return we offer:
• excellent career development opportunities and access to a comprehensive programme of personalised ‘Professional Learning and Development’ (PLD) at leadership level.
• an excellent induction programme with dynamic, driven and supportive staff, including mentoring and support from an experienced leadership team.
• mentoring and support from an experienced team.
• the potential to work across the age and ability range
• dedicated office space which inspires outstanding performance.
• an opportunity to work collaboratively within a multi academy Trust.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.