The Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Best Practice Network is designed for those who want to start or develop a career supporting children in schools. The programme combines paid work in a school with structured training, allowing apprentices to gain real classroom experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:45am – 3:30pm Start date: Wednesday 2 September 2026 Duration: 18 Months As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff. What you’ll do at work As a Teaching Assistant apprentice, you will work in a school setting supporting teachers and pupils on a day-to-day basis while completing your apprenticeship training. You will: • Support pupils during lessons, individually or in small groups Help children with their learning, including reading, writing, and maths activities • Assist pupils with additional needs, following guidance from the teacher or SEN team • Prepare classroom resources and help set up learning activities • Support behaviour and encourage positive learning attitudes • Help create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment • Supervise pupils during activities, break times, or school events when required • Observe and learn from experienced staff to build confidence and skills • Complete apprenticeship coursework and training as part of your role • Work closely with teachers and other school staff to support pupils’ progress • Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll receive support from your school and tutor, helping you develop the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a future career in education Where you’ll work: Sandsfield Lane, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 1DB Requirements • Communication skills • Customer care skills • Problem solving skills • Team working • Initiative • Non judgemental • Patience Other requirements Applicants must: • Be fully committed to completing the apprenticeship programme • Be willing and able to support children with additional needs in school • Be prepared to pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check • Be reliable, punctual, and able to work term time only • Be happy to combine work with coursework and training requirements as part of the apprenticeship About this company Benjamin Adlard Primary School is a thriving, happy school in the heart of Gainsborough. We are very much a community school, always looking to work closely with families to ensure the best possible opportunities for children in our local area. Everyone is welcomed and valued. At Benjamin Adlard, we work hard to 'Make a Difference' to our pupils and our wider community. To us, making a difference means ensuring the children enjoy coming to school, are happy to learn and go home at the end of the day full of enthusiasm for what they might learn tomorrow. It means raising their aspirations, promoting independence and building resilience, so our pupils can go on to build positive futures. After successfully completing the Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, there are several progression routes available within education, depending on experience and interest. Many apprentices go on to build long-term careers in education. The apprenticeship provides a strong foundation of classroom experience, confidence, and practical skills needed to progress within a school environment.