Upskilling Classroom Teaching Assistants at Knebworth Primary and Nursery School 

Knebworth Primary and Nursery school is a two-form entry village school based in Hertfordshire that has upskilled seven members of staff using the apprenticeship levy.

Five members of staff have now completed the Level 3 Teaching Assistant with SEND training, with one more currently studying for their Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship. A further member of staff in their nursery team has also completed their Level 3 Early Years Practitioner course.

Headteacher Sim Bains explains more. “When we were looking for a training provider to support us with upskilling current members of staff, EFS Apprenticeships seemed the perfect choice. This organisation had come highly recommended by other primary schools in the area.” 

Staff have been quick to take up the offer of apprenticeship training and have been able to share ideas with colleagues. Sim Bains explains how “they relished the opportunity to engage in fortnightly professional development and are thoroughly enjoying this experience.” She notes apprentices are “always talking to one another about their study, sharing ideas, top tips and good practice” and that “it’s been so rewarding to see our staff engaging in such a high-quality opportunity.”

For Claire an Inclusion Assistant supporting Key Stage 1 students at Knebworth Primary, the training has enabled her to plan interventions and implement positive behaviour techniques. “The biggest thing I have learned is more about differences in children and their learning abilities and reasons why they are finding learning hard” she explains. “The apprenticeship is such a great way to further your knowledge and it benefits both the children and yourself in your everyday practice.”