A Lesson In Apprenticeships!
This week, Manor Fields Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford welcomed a special guest; the Minister for School Standards in the Department for Education, Catherine McKinnell MP. The visit showcased the positive impact of the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, delivered by Educational and Sporting Futures (ESF), on school staff and pupils.
The Labour MP met with Headteacher Helen Smith, and teaching assistants Luke Weston, Natasha Smith and Kelly Hyde who are benefitting from this transformative programme. ESF Director, Jo Pountney and Local MP for Hertford and Stortford, Josh Dean also attended. It was an opportunity for both MPs to witness first-hand how apprenticeships are shaping the future of education.
As one of the first training providers to deliver the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, Educational and Sporting Futures has been at the forefront of enhancing the skills of TAs, enabling them to provide even greater support to pupils. Manor Fields Primary School is one school leading the way, actively investing in its support staff through the programme. The apprenticeship equips staff with the expertise needed to support children in areas such as SEND, literacy, and Social and Emotional Wellbeing.
McKinnell commented; “Our wonderful teaching assistants and school support staff play a vital role in the smooth running of our schools and in our mission to drive high and rising standards, so all children achieve and thrive.
“Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for schools to recruit the skilled teaching assistants they need, and they are a great way for individuals to gain the skills and experience needed to get into the profession and progress in their careers.”
The visit is a proud milestone for ESF Apprenticeships, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the entire team involved in launching this successful Level 5 Specialist TA apprenticeship. The programme has been enriched by the expertise of SEND specialists from our sister organisation, Real Training, whose contributions have ensured that apprentices receive expert training tailored to meet the diverse needs of pupils.
Manor Fields Primary School has successfully collaborated with Educational and Sporting Futures for over ten years, initially using sports apprenticeships funded through the Sports Premium, before also encouraging classroom-based and Early Years professionals to upskill using relevant apprenticeship programmes.
Jo Pountney, Director at Educational and Sporting Futures commented; “We are so proud of what the apprentices at Manor Fields have achieved – they have shown great commitment to their own professional development and the development of the pupils they support. The journey some of these TAs have been on with us is quite remarkable and we look forward to continuing to support them and Manor Fields in the future.”
Luke Weston is a fantastic example of the power of apprenticeships in education. Having joined Manor Fields straight from school at 16, he started on a Level 2 sports focused apprenticeship. A decade later, he’s progressed by completing the Level 3 Teaching Assistant programme and has now embarked on the Level 5 Apprenticeship specialising in SEND. Through this pathway, Luke has accessed an alternative route into a career in education.
Luke commented; “When I started, out of school at 16, I wasn’t sure what to do at all. Without ESF, I would not be where I am now. The tutors on my Level 3, Level 4 (and now my Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant) cannot do enough for you.”
Natasha Smith, one of the apprentices on the literacy strand, added; “There were some big challenges for me, starting an apprenticeship, having left school learning behind a long time ago. However, I have had an incredible amount of support both from my work colleagues and the Educational and Sporting Futures team.
“It has given me the confidence to continue to my Level 5 Specialist Apprenticeship. It’s crucial that schools support staff to upskill. We must keep learning, improving and challenging ourselves as well as our children.”
ESF Director Jo Pountney (left) picks up a good read with Manor Fields Primary Headteacher Helen Smith (centre) and Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean (right).
Find out more
Case study video: Headteacher Helen Smith explains how they have leveraged apprenticeships to great success and how the support from Educational and Sporting Futures has been transformational. Watch her video here.
Explore the apprenticeship: Explore the Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship programme.