Required for September 2026

We are looking for a motivated and dedicated person to join the PPCS team as a Teaching Assistant Apprentice.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 1st July 12noon

Interviews Week Commencing Monday 6th July

Please email completed application forms to: office@prioryparkschool.co.uk or post to:

Recruitment

Priory Park Community School

Meadow Road

Dudley

DY1 3JY

PPCS is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children. All offers of appointment are conditional until satisfactory completion of the mandatory pre-employment checks including:

• verification of a candidate’s identity

• an enhanced DBS check (including children’s barred list information, for those who will be engaging in regulated activity with children).

• verification of the candidate’s mental and physical fitness to carry out their work responsibilities.

• verification of the person’s right to work in the UK, including EU nationals.

• verification of professional qualifications, as appropriate.

• verification that the candidate is not subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State

PPCS will also request two references prior to interview, one of which must be from the current employer. The purpose of seeking references is to allow the school to obtain factual information to support appointment decisions and allow any concerns raised to be explored further with the referee and taken up with the candidate at interview. KCSIE guidelines state that schools and colleges should:

• not accept open references e.g. to whom it may concern

• not rely on applicants to obtain their reference

• ensure any references are from the candidate’s current employer and have been completed by a senior person with appropriate authority (if the referee is school or college based, the reference should be confirmed by the headteacher/principal as accurate in respect of any disciplinary investigations)

• obtain verification of the individual’s most recent relevant period of employment where the applicant is not currently employed

• secure a reference from the relevant employer from the last time the applicant worked with children (if not currently working with children), if the applicant has never worked with children, then ensure a reference from their current employer

• always verify any information with the person who provided the reference

• ensure electronic references originate from a legitimate source

• contact referees to clarify content where information is vague or insufficient information is provided

• compare the information on the application form with that in the reference and take up any discrepancies with the candidate

• establish the reason for the candidate leaving their current or most recent post, and ensure any concerns are resolved satisfactorily before appointment is confirmed