Darwen Vale High School
594 Blackburn Road, Darwen
BB3 0AL
Job Title: Learning Support Apprentice
Grade/Salary: National Apprenticeship Wage £7,55 per hour Regardless of age for the first 12 months
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Terms: Full Time
Closing Date: 22nd June 2025
Required From: September 2025
TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCY PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
About the Role
Exciting Opportunity: Learning Support Apprentice – Medical & Physical Care
As a Learning Support Apprentice at Darwen Vale High School, you'll play a crucial role in supporting students with medical needs and providing personal care. Your responsibilities will include:
- Medical Support: Assisting with medical procedures under supervision, ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of students.
- Personal Care: Supporting students with personal hygiene, mobility, and day-to-day tasks with respect and dignity.
- Learning Support: Helping students engage in learning activities, promoting independence and success.
- Collaborative Teamwork: Working closely with healthcare professionals, teachers, and other support staff to ensure each student's needs are met.
Training & Development
This apprenticeship includes training towards a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, equivalent to A-levels. Training is provided by Aldridge Education, with at least 20% of working hours dedicated to study. The course covers:
What We’re Looking For:
- A caring, compassionate, and patient attitude.
- An eagerness to learn and grow in the medical and personal care fields.
- Ability to work well in a team and communicate effectively with others.
- Previous experience in care or learning support (preferred but not essential).
- A commitment to improving the lives of those who need your help.
About the School:
Darwen Vale High School (DVHS) is an 11-18 academy, with a newly evolving sixth form which sits as part of collaboration with the two other Aldridge Education schools in the town: DACA and DAES. The school’s students are drawn not only from Darwen, but also from neighbouring Blackburn, and around 30% of students qualify for free school meals.
DVHS opened in redesigned and refurbished buildings in September 2012, and has grown from year groups of 150 to 240. It is widely recognised as a school which has seen rapid improvements in recent years: student achievement has improved significantly and as a result, the school has been oversubscribed for the past several years.
In addition, following a recent Ofsted inspection, Darwen Vale has been given a ‘Good’ rating in all areas; a great achievement, and one which Aldridge and the whole DVHS team are very proud of. The school's motto - We aim high. We work hard. We care. We are Vale. - embodies the commitment of the community of staff, students and parents to ensuring the school continues to go from strength to strength.
Disclaimer:
Any unsolicited CV`s sent to any member of our HR team on a speculative basis will not be recognised nor will we accept liability for any fee or commission should we subsequently employ a candidate who applied to us directly or was introduced by an instructed agency that may also have been submitted speculatively by an uninstructed agency.
- Please note we only accept applications submitted via our website
Key Benefits of working for Aldridge Education
Join the Aldridge Education Family!
Looking for a fulfilling career with great benefits? Here`s why working for Aldridge Education is the right choice for you:
- Aldridge Benefits Scheme in Partnership with Sodexo– Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts tailored just for you!
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay fit with our bike-friendly benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme – Your well-being matters! Access free, confidential support whenever you need it.
- Flexible Working Opportunities – Balance work and life with flexibility that suits you.
- Free On-Site Parking - No more hunting for parking, we’ve got your spot covered.
- Good local transport links – Local train and bus links
- Staff Recognition – Aldridge Appreciates
- Pension Schemes – Secure your future with access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme
- Refer a Friend Scheme – Know someone who would love it here? Earn rewards by bringing them on board!
Operating Norms
We believe that the way we operate at all times and with all partners is of paramount importance.
Our agreed operating norms are as follows:
- We are Aldridge Education
- The standard is excellence
- We champion equality
- We’re in the work together
- We behave with integrity
- We lead by example
- We use time well
References
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy and KCSIE 2024 guidelines, we cannot accept personal email addresses for referees. A total of two professional references are required, and they must come from different employers. Please provide the name of your current or most recent employer, along with the email address of your line manager or a representative from the HR department.
Safeguarding Statement:
Aldridge Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
A copy of Aldridge Education’s Child Protection policy is available on our website at www.aldridgeeducation.org
Following successful application, Aldridge Education will carry out the necessary prohibition checks for all teaching staff, as well as for all candidates undertaking regulated activity.
If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, you will be required to complete a Declaration giving details of any relevant criminal offences and other relevant information relating to our safeguarding duty. Further information will be provided on that form.
Given the nature of the Trust’s activities and the regulatory framework it is subject to, any offer of employment will be made conditional upon a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and barred list check carried out by the Trust (where applicable to the role in question). It is an express condition if you are appointed to the role that you join the DBS update service.
If you are shortlisted for the position you are applying for, Aldridge Education will undertake online searches (including social media) in accordance with KCSIE 2024.
This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means standard and enhanced DBS checks will now always show all unspent records, including youth conditional cautions, meaning some previously unrecorded details will now be disclosed.
Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
More information on The Disclosure & Barring Service can be found at www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.
Equal Opportunities
At Aldridge Education, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual is valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and as an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can succeed and thrive.
We believe that diversity in experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds is essential for driving innovation and achieving success. Our commitment to equality and fairness is embedded in all aspects of our recruitment, employment, and educational practices. We continuously strive to maintain an environment that provides all individuals with the opportunity to realize their full potential.
We are committed to building a diverse workforce, promoting an inclusive culture throughout Aldridge Education, and ensuring that we reflect the communities we serve. Aldridge_Education_Equality_and_Diversity_Policy.pdf (aldridgeeducation.org)
For any queries regarding the role please contact [email protected]
Apply via:
https://candidates.every.education/Vacancies/Details?advertKey=1a885592-95b3-4fed-8aa2-964413fddb72
