Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant – Level 3 Apprenticeship

We are recruiting a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive specialist school in Boston Spa, Wetherby. The school provides day and residential education for children and young people aged 3–19, supporting pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

You will work alongside experienced teachers and support staff, helping pupils develop communication skills and build independence, while completing a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about supporting young people with additional needs who wants to gain a recognised qualification and build a long-term career in specialist education.

About the School

The school provides a highly personalised learning environment, with small class sizes of up to eight pupils and a multidisciplinary team dedicated to supporting each student’s individual needs.

Pupils have a range of needs, including:

• Hearing impairments and deafness.
• Autism and associated sensory needs.
• Speech, language and communication difficulties.
• Physical and sensory needs.
• Social, emotional and developmental needs.

The school takes a holistic approach to education, with specialist support from professionals including speech and language therapists, audiologists and nursing staff. Its facilities include sensory learning spaces, dedicated wellbeing rooms, specialist equipment and outdoor sensory areas.

The Role and Responsibilities

As a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils with additional needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging, personalised lessons.
• Support pupils with communication, literacy, social interaction and independence.
• Develop your understanding of British Sign Language (BSL), Sign-Supported English (SSE), Makaton and other communication methods.
• Use visual timetables and communication aids to help pupils understand routines and express their needs.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation and wellbeing through a patient, trauma-informed approach.
• Support individual targets outlined in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and other professionals to support pupils’ development.
• Encourage older pupils to develop practical life skills and prepare for greater independence.

What Makes a Great Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant?

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, patient, adaptable and enthusiastic about helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

You should have a genuine interest in SEND and a willingness to learn specialist communication approaches, particularly those supporting deaf pupils and students with speech, language and communication needs.

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be patient, observant and responsive to individual needs.
• Understand the importance of visual communication and non-verbal cues.
• Be willing to learn BSL, SSE, Makaton and other communication strategies.
• Recognise that behaviour can be a form of communication and respond calmly and positively.
• Support pupils with sensory regulation, emotional development and confidence.
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Respect the school’s values of compassion, community and inclusivity.
• Be committed to developing their skills and completing the apprenticeship.

Previous experience working with children or young people with SEND would be beneficial but is not essential. A positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a genuine passion for supporting others are key.

Apprenticeship Requirements

• Commitment to completing an 11-month Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above preferred.
• Must not be currently enrolled on another government-funded course that would prevent apprenticeship enrolment.
• A commitment to learning, professional development and working within a specialist school environment.

Training and Benefits

• Fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.
• Flexible study arrangements, with coursework completed during school holidays where applicable.
• Full support throughout the DBS application process.
• Hands-on experience in a specialist SEND setting.
• Opportunities to develop specialist communication and behaviour-support skills.
• Clear opportunities for long-term career progression within SEND education.
• £50 Amazon voucher for successful referrals, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about helping children and young people with additional needs thrive, and would like to gain a recognised qualification while making a meaningful difference every day, we would love to hear from you.

Take the first step towards a rewarding career in SEND education and apply today!