Snowfields Academy is seeking two Teaching Assistants (Apprentice) to join their vibrant team from September 2020. The successful candidates will undertake a Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship. Whether you are a school leaver or more experienced Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant, this programme will offer you the chance to develop your skills and get ahead in your career.

The successful candidates will be good role models for their pupils, acting with honesty and integrity at all times. You’ll take part in team meetings and contribute to planning and supporting class activities. You’ll promote Fundamental British Values through spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and positive behaviours, and above all else you are crucial in contributing to improved pupil progress and development. Each and every learner will have a positive mind-set and can-do attitude. If you're as excited by this opportunity as we are, we'd love to hear from you!

The actual salary is £8,549 per annum (FTE £10,000), based on 31.63 hours per week and Term Time + 1 week inset. This role is offered as an 18-month apprenticeship contract and our successful candidates will work towards a nationally-recognised Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, delivered by LAT Apprenticeships. Click here to read more about LAT Apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Summary:

Working weeks: Monday - Friday during Term Time
Total hours per week (on average): 31.63 hours per week (including the 20% training element of the Apprenticeship Programme) + holiday allowance
Apprenticeship duration: 18 months
Programme delivery type: All modules are delivered as a combination of online learning which can be completed at your place of work, classroom sessions and contrasting work placements in schools
Start date: September 2020
Apprenticeship level: Advanced Level Apprenticeship (Level 3)
Apprenticeship standard: Teaching Assistant
Positions available: 2
Essential entry qualifications: GCSEs A* - C, Maths and English


Future prospects: This apprenticeship could be the start of a very promising career within the wider teaching support remit. Your employer will endeavour to offer further employment following successful performance and completion of the Level 3 course with future opportunities to extend your training with a higher level apprenticeship programme. You’ll receive Continuing Professional Development and you’ll be part of a highly experienced student support team – you’ll be learning from the very best!

Essential skills:

Excellent organisational and planning skills with outstanding attention to detail
Demonstrate a high level of initiative
Computer literacy in usual office applications
A genuine passion to work with children and young adults
Committed and enthusiastic
Excellent attendance and time-keeping record.

Please note that due to the current pandemic, the role is likely to be based at Tree Tops Primary Academy until the new building can be opened.

Working with us at Snowfields Academy: Snowfields Academy is a new secondary provision for students with ASD. We will offer 140 places across year groups 7-13 for young people who are working at or close to age related expectations. Class sizes will be small with 12 in each class, supported by 2-3 teaching assistants according to need. We will offer a range of GCSEs and other qualifications for young people on a blend of academic and vocational pathways.
The academy will benefit from being a brand new school with a design tailored to the students it provides for, carefully considered to make the most of both its inside and outside environments in order to enhance the learning of its students. The environment will support specialisms in horticulture and catering with a purpose designed teaching kitchen, servery and cafe, and internal and external horticulture facilities supporting our students into employment. We will work closely with local businesses to offer an outstanding range of work experience opportunities and supported internships.

At Snowfields Academy we will:

Inspire and engage our children so they develop a lifelong love of learning, working towards the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Key Stage 3
Deliver a quality, inclusive education so all children are able to achieve to their full potential
Create a learning environment where barriers to learning are overcome and students feel safe and happy and are ready to learn
Ensure that all children feel valued and celebrate their individuality and success at every opportunity
Always work within a multi-disciplinary framework alongside families and other professionals
Use personalised approaches to manage behaviour and reduce anxieties
Ensure safeguarding, pastoral support and embedding British Values are at the heart of all we do
Create a culture where staff work collaboratively as part of the wider team, sharing ideas and good practice and offering support to each other.

Being a part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2020, our Trust will comprise 28 geographically organised academies (11 secondaries, 15 primaries and 2 special) educating over 16,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. We also have one further secondary academy in the development phase, due to open in September 2021. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training providers and a large teaching school. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.


Recruitment and hiring during COVID-19: Despite the challenges we face, recruitment and hiring will continue for all Leigh Academies Trust vacancies with as little disruption as possible over the coming weeks and months. This is for all senior, teaching and support staff appointments. Applications will still be reviewed and interviews conducted in a timely manner, although interview activities will vary. If you have any queries or concerns, please get in touch with the LAT Talent Team - talent@latrust.org.uk

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.