Apprenticeship Vacancies
Ysgol y Rhos - Teaching Assistant Apprentice
Job Description
Ysgol y Rhos is a unique and nurturing independent school located in a rural setting between Wrexham and Mold, situated within the grounds of two former holiday lodges. The school provides a supportive learning environment for pupils aged 8 to 16 years who have social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties (SEBD).
Ysgol y Rhos are part of Unique Care Homes Ltd., a well-established private limited company that operates five children’s homes across Wrexham and Denbighshire. Ysgol y Rhos plays a vital role in the holistic care and education of the children placed within our homes, offering a tailored curriculum that promotes personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and academic achievement.
Duties include:
1. Assisting with Learning Activities:
- Support individual students or small groups during lessons.
- Help with differentiated instruction to meet students' varying needs.
- Assist in implementing educational plans designed by the teacher.
- Provide additional support for students with special educational needs (SEN).
2. Classroom Management:
- Assist with maintaining classroom discipline and order.
- Encourage positive behaviour and social skills.
- Help manage classroom materials and resources.
- Develop an understanding with the teacher as to when and how to support behaviour.
3. Supporting Students’ Social and Emotional Development:
- Foster students' self-esteem and independence.
- Provide emotional support and encouragement.
- Help students build social skills and resolve conflicts.
- Use therapeutic language like ‘I notice...’ or ‘I wonder...’ when engaging with a pupil.
4. Administrative Tasks:
- Prepare teaching materials and resources.
- Help with marking and recording students' work.
- Maintain records of students’ progress and behaviour.
5. Communication:
- Communicate with the Pastoral team as to when to hand over the support offered to pupils
- Liaise with teachers, parents, and other professionals.
- Communicate students' progress and any concerns.
- Attend meetings and training sessions as required.
6. Inclusive Education:
- Promote an inclusive learning environment.
- Help students with SEN access the curriculum.
- Support the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
7. Supervision:
- Supervise students during breaks, lunchtimes, and school trips.
- Ensure students' safety and well-being.
8. Professional Conduct
- Be professional in interactions with all staff who work in the school.
- Become familiar with the Education Workforce Council Code of Professional Conduct and Practise Guides.
- No phones should be used on school site.
- If you have any questions or need help – ask the teacher in the first instance or the Headteacher
Essential Criteria:
- IT Skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Equality and Diversity
- Understanding Teamwork
- Commitment
- Energetic, enthusiastic and motivated
- Assertive and confident
- Good interpersonal/social skills
- No disqualifying convictions
- Full health declaration
- Responsible and mature outlook
- Empathetic, loving and nurturing
- Good sense of humour
- Non-judgemental
- Appropriate responses to anger and anxiety
- Relate honestly to children
- Good role model to children
- Punctual and reliable
- Ability to maintain boundaries
- Integrity
- Committed to self-development and learning
- Able to use own initiative
- Full education history
- Full employment history
- Full driving licence
- Able to work alone without direction
Desirable Criteria:
- Transferable life and interest skills
- Understanding of child development and the impact of trauma
- Understanding of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Understanding of therapeutic practice
- Innovative and creative
- Minimum GCSE English and Maths or equivalent
- Previous experience in a TA role or equivalent
- Ability to speak Welsh
- Level 2 Teaching Assistant
As part of this apprenticeship, the successful candidate will undertake a structured training programme that includes:
- On-the-job training – gaining practical experience within a school setting.
- Off-the-job training – attending sessions covering safeguarding, behaviour management, child development, and learning strategies.
- Regular assessments and feedback to track progress and improve skills.
- Additional learning support, particularly in literacy, numeracy, and communication.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career in education with progression opportunities available upon successful completion.
Entry Requirements & Expectations
- A strong interest in working in an educational setting.
- A willingness to learn and undertake professional training.
- A commitment to completing the apprenticeship and gaining the qualification.
- Good communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
- A professional and responsible approach to working with children.
- Full adherence to school safeguarding and conduct policies