Trainee Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEND School (January Start)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring individual to join a specialist school in Leeds as a Trainee Teaching Assistant.

The school supports children and young people aged 4–16 with a range of additional needs, including hearing impairments, communication difficulties and other complex needs.

This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable classroom experience while completing a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. You will work alongside experienced teachers and support staff, helping pupils develop their communication, confidence and independence.

It’s an opportunity to build a career in education while learning specialist skills in a supportive school environment.

About the School

The school provides both day and residential education, with a personalised approach to supporting each pupil.

Class sizes are small, allowing staff to focus on individual learning needs and provide tailored support. You will also work alongside a wider team of professionals, including speech and language therapists, audiologists and nursing staff.

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 has specialist learning facilities, including sensory spaces, wellbeing areas and dedicated equipment to support pupils throughout their education.

The Role

You will work as part of the classroom team, supporting pupils during lessons and throughout the school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils individually and in small groups.
• Assisting teachers with classroom activities and personalised learning.
• Helping pupils develop communication, social and independent living skills.
• Learning and using communication methods such as British Sign Language (BSL), Sign-Supported English (SSE) and Makaton.
• Using visual resources and communication aids to support understanding.
• Helping pupils follow daily routines and engage with learning.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and supporting emotional wellbeing.
• Working towards individual learning targets and EHCP outcomes.
• Working with teachers and other professionals to support pupils’ development.
• Helping older pupils build practical skills and prepare for greater independence.

You will receive guidance and training to develop your understanding of the different communication methods used throughout the school.

Who Would Suit This Opportunity?

We are interested in hearing from people who enjoy working with children and young people and want to make a positive difference to their education and development.

Previous experience in a specialist school or knowledge of BSL is beneficial but not essential. The school is looking for someone with the right attitude who is keen to learn and develop.

You should be:

• Patient, approachable and understanding.
• A confident communicator who is happy to learn new ways of communicating.
• Adaptable and able to respond to different situations.
• Interested in supporting children with additional needs.
• Calm and positive when supporting pupils with emotional or behavioural needs.
• Comfortable working as part of a wider team.
• Committed to completing the apprenticeship and developing a career in education.

An interest in learning BSL, SSE and Makaton would be particularly useful for this position.

Apprenticeship Details

The successful applicant will complete an 11-month Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship alongside their role in school.

The programme combines practical classroom experience with structured training and assessments. You will be supported throughout the qualification by the school and apprenticeship training team.

Applicants should:

• Ideally hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above.
• Be committed to completing the full apprenticeship.
• Meet the eligibility requirements for government-funded apprenticeship training.
• Not be enrolled on another course that would prevent apprenticeship enrolment.

What the Opportunity Offers

• A fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
• Full-time experience in a specialist education setting.
• Support and guidance from experienced teaching staff.
• The opportunity to develop BSL, SSE, Makaton and other communication skills.
• Experience supporting pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Training and professional development throughout the programme.
• Opportunities to progress within specialist education.

The salary is £13,990–£15,906 per annum, depending on age and apprenticeship eligibility.

How to Apply

If you are looking to start a career in education and would like to gain a recognised qualification while working with children and young people, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Previous SEND experience is not essential. We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, patience and a genuine interest in helping pupils develop.

Please submit your application to be considered for a January start.