Level 3 SEN Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – Specialist SEN School

Location: Bradford
Start Date: January 2027
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 08:30am–15:30pm
Programme Length: 11 months
Qualification: Fully Funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification

About the Opportunity

At Engage Education, we are passionate about helping people start rewarding careers in education. We are currently recruiting for a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice to join a specialist SEN primary school in Bradford, with a programme start date of January 2027.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is looking to gain a nationally recognised Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification whilst gaining valuable, hands-on experience working within a specialist SEN school.

The school caters for primary-aged children with a range of additional needs, including Autism, complex learning difficulties, medical needs, communication difficulties and challenging behaviours. Some pupils are non-verbal and require additional support with their everyday routines, personal care and independence.

We are particularly interested in individuals who have previous experience within care, support work, healthcare or education and are looking to transfer their existing skills into a school environment.

You do not need to be a qualified Teaching Assistant to apply. We are looking for people who are compassionate, committed and genuinely passionate about supporting children with additional needs.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant Apprentice, you will be based within the school five days a week, working alongside experienced teachers and support staff whilst completing your Level 3 qualification.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to primary-aged pupils with a range of additional needs.

• Supporting children with Autism, complex learning difficulties and communication needs.

• Helping pupils access classroom activities and develop their learning skills.

• Supporting non-verbal children with their communication and interaction.

• Assisting with emotional regulation and implementing positive behaviour strategies.

• Supporting pupils with personal care and daily routines where required.

• Encouraging children to develop their confidence, independence and social skills.

• Working closely with teachers and other professionals to support individual learning and development plans.

• Applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout your apprenticeship to your everyday role.

This is a hands-on role where you will gain practical experience every day, developing the skills and confidence needed to progress within the education sector.

About the Apprenticeship

The Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is a fully funded, 11-month programme, designed to help you gain a recognised qualification whilst working full-time in a specialist school.

The programme includes:

• Fully funded qualification: Gain your Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification without having to pay for the course.

• 11-month programme: Complete your training over approximately 11 months.

• Online learning: Access your coursework and learning materials online.

• Dedicated tutor: Receive ongoing guidance and support from an online apprenticeship tutor.

• Hands-on experience: Work within the school five days a week, 08:30am–15:30pm.

• School holiday coursework: Complete your written coursework and learning activities throughout the school holidays.

• Paid throughout: Receive pay throughout the full 11-month programme, including school holidays.

You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship, allowing you to develop your practical skills in school alongside the knowledge required to achieve your qualification.

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over.

• Have GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or an accepted equivalent).

• Have full right to work in the UK.

• Have lived in the UK for the past three years.

• Not currently be enrolled on another funded training or apprenticeship programme.

• Have access to your own laptop or iPad to complete online learning and coursework.

• Be committed to completing the full 11-month programme.

• Have a genuine passion for working with children with special educational needs.

• Ideally have some previous experience within a school, nursery, care or support work setting.

Who Would This Opportunity Suit?

This apprenticeship would be particularly suited to:

• Individuals currently working in care or support work who want to transfer their skills into education.

• Candidates with experience supporting individuals with Autism, learning disabilities or complex needs.

• Nursery practitioners looking to progress into a specialist school environment.

• Individuals with previous school experience who would like to gain a recognised Level 3 qualification.

• Anyone passionate about working within SEND and looking to build a long-term career supporting children with additional needs.

Previous experience working with children is beneficial, but we are also keen to hear from candidates with transferable experience supporting adults with additional needs.

Ready to Start Your Career in SEND?

If you are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and would love the opportunity to gain a Level 3 qualification whilst earning and gaining hands-on experience, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

You will have the chance to develop your skills, learn from experienced professionals and build a rewarding career within specialist education.

Apply today to find out more about our Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship, starting January 2027!