Our Journey with Apprenticeships:
Manor Fields Primary
Helen Smith is Headteacher at Manor Fields Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford (part of Herts and Essex Multi Academy Trust).
Over the past decade, Manor Fields Primary has diversified its use of apprentices and apprenticeship training programmes. Initially, the focus was solely on hiring new members of staff as PE apprentices, before this was broadened to include classroom-based and Early Years support.
In recent years, Helen has started leveraging this government-funded training to upskill her existing staff. Now, her teaching assistants are some of the first in the country to embark on the new Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, and Helen has members of staff following each specialism.
Manor Fields Primary School achieves high standards of academic success and is in the top 10% or top 20% for some subjects nationally. It also has a large number of children with significant special educational needs.
“Training our staff to support our children with significant SEND is an area where apprenticeships are particularly helping. They’ve added so much to this school and we know this will be an area of growing need.” Helen Smith – Headteacher
What impact have apprentices and apprenticeships had on your school?
What advice would you give to Headteachers considering apprenticeships as a staff training option? Would you recommend ESF?
What are your initial impressions of the Level 5 Specialist TA qualification?
How have PE apprentices made a positive contribution to Manor Fields Primary School?
Find out more
Find out more about the Level 5 Specialist TA Apprenticeship
With specialist areas covering:
- SEND
- Social and Emotional Wellbeing (with ELSA status)
- Literacy
Educational and Sporting Futures
Business Technology Centre
Bessemer Drive
SG1 2DX
Telephone: 01438 791068
