Five staff qualify as Oldham specialist school grows its own teaching team

Five members of staff at an Oldham specialist school have qualified or started professional training this year, as it makes the case for apprenticeships as an alternative to the university route into teaching.

Chances Mentoring, an independent specialist school in Chadderton, provides primary and secondary education for pupils across Greater Manchester whose needs are not being met in mainstream settings. 

Among them is Jane Turner, who is completing her level 3 teaching assistant apprenticeship as one of the school's older apprentices. 

Jane said: "Doing an apprenticeship as an older adult can feel challenging at times. I can feel different to the younger staff, but I also bring life experience to the role. I'm proud of learning something new, and that it's never too late to learn and grow." 

Emily Lees, the school's first apprentice, completed her training last year, and Hammad Ali has finished his level 3 teaching assistant apprenticeship. 

Two others are part-way through. Louise Taylor is taking a level 3 teaching assistant qualification with a SEND specialism, and Ronnie Watson started a business administration apprenticeship this month.. 

Callum Siddall, founder and director of Chances Mentoring, said: "Investing in our team is how we make sure our young people get the support they need. Apprenticeships let staff learn while they work, so what they study goes straight into the classroom. 

"Several of the people qualifying this year started with us in support roles and are now building professional careers here. Apprenticeship routes suit our workforce, because the job needs practical experience alongside formal training." 

The school, which was rated a strong standard for inclusion by Ofsted in March this year, said developing staff internally reduces its reliance on external recruitment and keeps the team aligned with its therapeutic approach to education.