Apprentice SEND Teaching Assistant – Paid Training & Qualification Included

Apprentice SEND Teaching Assistant – Paid Training & Qualification Included

Location: Boston Spa, West Yorkshire
Salary: £10.00 – £13.00 per hour
Start Date: September or October 2026
Qualification: Level 3 Teaching Assistant (Opportunity to progress to a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant)

Earn While You Learn as a SEND Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs?

Would you like to earn while you learn, gain valuable experience in a specialist school and achieve a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification?

Engage Education is looking for an Apprentice SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Boston Spa, supporting pupils aged 5–19 with a range of complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

You’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced teachers, teaching assistants and therapists, while completing your apprenticeship and developing the skills needed for a rewarding career in specialist education.

Why Apply?

• £10.00 – £13.00 per hour, above the standard apprenticeship rate
• Fully funded Level 3 CACHE Teaching Assistant qualification
• Earn a salary while gaining a nationally recognised qualification
• No tuition fees
• Full support and mentoring throughout your apprenticeship
• Gain valuable experience working with pupils with complex SEND
• Excellent opportunities for long-term employment and career progression
• Potential progression into specialist SEND, HLTA or teacher training

The Role

As an Apprentice SEND Teaching Assistant, you will support children and young people with a range of additional needs, helping them to access learning, develop independence and achieve their individual goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day
• Supporting pupils with Autism, SLD, PMLD, complex communication needs and physical disabilities
• Using communication strategies such as visual supports, Makaton and PECS, where appropriate
• Supporting pupils to develop confidence, independence and essential life skills
• Helping pupils with sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing
• Supporting classroom activities, sensory sessions, outdoor learning and enrichment activities
• Assisting with personal care where required, always maintaining pupils’ dignity and privacy
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team
• Supporting the implementation of individual targets and strategies outlined in pupils’ EHCPs
• Creating a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment

Who Are We Looking For?

This opportunity would suit someone who is passionate about making a difference and wants to build a career working with children and young people with SEND.

You may be:

• An aspiring Teaching Assistant, teacher or SEND specialist
• A graduate in Psychology, Education, Childcare or a related subject
• An existing Teaching Assistant looking to gain a recognised qualification
• A care worker, support worker or youth worker looking to move into education
• A career changer looking for a rewarding new opportunity
• Someone with little or no previous school experience who has the right attitude and passion to learn

Requirements

• A genuine interest in supporting children and young people with SEND
• Commitment to completing the 11-month apprenticeship
• GCSE English and Maths Grade 4/C or above preferred
• You must not currently be enrolled on another government-funded qualification
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Good communication and interpersonal skills

Training & Benefits

• Fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship
• Training delivered alongside your role in school
• Dedicated support and mentoring from Engage Education
• Full DBS application support
• Ongoing professional development
• Opportunities for permanent employment
• Clear progression routes within education and SEND
• £50 Amazon voucher referral bonus when you successfully recommend a friend

Ready to Start Your SEND Career?

If you’re passionate about helping children and young people reach their potential and want to earn while gaining a recognised qualification, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and a member of the Engage Education team will be in touch to discuss the opportunity.

All applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS certificate. Full support will be provided throughout the recruitment process.