Nicola Woodhouse | TA Level 3 learner 

Nicola currently works at St Clare’s special needs school as a Teaching Assistant apprentice, completing her training with Best Practice Network.

Did you previously work at the school before your apprenticeship? 

Yes, I previously worked as an assistant site manager within the school setting. I was asked if I would like to assist in the classes to gain experience before I decided to do the TA apprenticeship in December 2021.

Why did you apply to do the TA level 3 apprenticeship route? 

I have been a cleaner and worked part-time since having my children, mainly because I wanted to be at home for the girls while my husband was the main wage earner. Since the girls have grown up and my eldest has since left home, I have thought about what I want to do for me! My eldest daughter is a teacher, and she has encouraged me to do a qualification in the TA role. I have had a lot of support from my family and the people I work with.

What would you say are the three best things about the programme so far?

1. The support and help that I have received from my apprenticeship tutor, learning mentor, the people I work with.
2. I am finding my way around my learning plan, and I am finding Canvas very useful.
3. I feel that I understand the different assignments more clearly as each one is set. Working in the role I am finding that my knowledge is improving all the time.

How much, and what have you learned so far?

I feel that I have learned so much already. By doing each assignment I am learning so much more. I am understanding the correct terminology for different learning formats, visual aids and curriculum.

What impact has your learning had on the children and pupils you work with, so far? What future impact do you anticipate your learning will have on you, the pupils and/or the school?

I am supporting the students in my class so much better. I understand their individual needs also. I help scribe for one student, read and scribe for two other students who have autism and slow processing.

As I complete my apprenticeship, I hope to be able to support the students so much more.

I am hoping that I have the same group of students in year 11 as I have built up a lot of trust from the boys and have a great teacher/student relationship. Year 11 is a very anxious time for the students, and I just want to help guide them through it as best I possibly can.

How would you describe the support received so far from the Best Practice Network apprenticeship team regarding onboarding and tutor support?  

My apprenticeship tutor is amazing, not only is she supporting me with my apprenticeship but also tutoring me through my functional skills in English and maths. She answers all my questions, is always happy to help, and she helps me so much with my confidence.

Samantha Potter | TA Level 3 learner

Samantha works in a primary school as a Teaching Assistant. She is currently a 1:1 in year 5 and in KS1 completing pupil premium interventions in the afternoon.

Did you previously work at the school before your apprenticeship? 

Yes, I have been working in the school for 3 years now. Previously I have worked in year 1,4 and Reception.

Why did you apply to do the TA level 3 apprenticeship route? 

I applied for the TA Level 3 as I am wanting to pursue a career in teaching, but due to being on Visa, I am unable to go directly to university to complete a degree. I have decided to go down the route of completing the TA Level 3 and will continue with the other TA levels available once I have completed this apprenticeship.

By completing an apprenticeship, I am still able to work full time in a school and complete my studies. 

What would you say are the three best things about the programme so far?

1. The support. My tutor is very supportive and encouraging towards challenging and bettering myself. She is always available and ready to help when required.
2. The information provided; I was sceptical about starting a course that was mainly online, but I am very pleased with how much information is provided in each module.
3. Canvas is a platform that offers endless information, videos, links and activities to help complete modules.

How much, and what have you learned so far?

Since starting this Level 3 Apprenticeship, I have learnt a range of new skills and knowledge that help me better my daily practice.

I am much more confident in what curriculum our school follows and how it influences the teachers' planning, this is due to completing a module on curriculum and being given the information on Canvas, along with research links which have enabled me to develop my knowledge. As well as this, I have learnt more about safeguarding procedures, assessment for learning and using feedback.

For all the above areas, I have been able to take the time to discuss with colleagues, talk to my tutor/mentor and research. I have been able to reflect on why all these knowledge areas are important in schools and how we use them. I would not have learnt this information without this apprenticeship. 

What impact has your learning had on the children and pupils you work with, so far? What future impact do you anticipate your learning will have on you, the pupils and/or the school?

By having a further understanding of our school's curriculum, I can better support the children in class and in turn, the children are able to strive to their full potential. 

Due to completing modules on Assessment for Learning, I now have more knowledge in AFL, and I can confidently carry out formative and summative assessments and plan the pupils’ next steps, as well as provide regular feedback to support children's learning journey. 

The future impact I anticipate my learning will have on the pupils, is that every day I will be able to better my daily practice by constantly learning new skills which will give me the tools and strategies to better support pupils. The future impact of my learning on the school, will be that I will be able to continue my professional development with the end goal to be able to become a teacher at the school. 

How would you describe the support received so far from the Best Practice Network apprenticeship team regarding onboarding and tutor support?  

The support has been fantastic so far from the BPN apprenticeship team. My tutor is very friendly and always encourages me to reach my highest potential with each task given. I am very happy with the apprenticeship and will be completing many more via BPN.

Learn more about TA level 3 apprenticeship 

Our TA level 3 apprenticeship is a 15-month programme that is suitable for new or existing members of staff, looking for a career in a teaching support role.