Apprentice SEND Teaching Assistant
SEND Teaching Assistant | SEN Teaching Assistant | SEMH Support
Location: Dagenham
Pay: £10.00+ per hour (above apprenticeship rate)
Start Date: April / May 2026
Contract: Full-Time
Earn while you learn as a SEND Teaching Assistant
Are you looking for a SEND Teaching Assistant role with training, pay from day one, and real long-term career progression in education?
We’re recruiting a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant to join a supportive mainstream primary school in Barking and Dagenham, working with students across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) while completing a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.
Why this role stands out
*£10.00+ per hour (above standard apprenticeship wage)
*Paid 52 weeks of the year
*FREE Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (CACHE)
*Clear progression to Level 4 HLTA and specialist SEND roles
*Full mentoring and structured support from Engage Education
*Practical, school-based training with a strong SEND and SEMH focus
Key responsibilities
*Support students 1:1 and in small groups
*Work with pupils with SEND, SEMH, ASD, ADHD, complex needs and learning difficulties
*Support emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement
*Assist with literacy, numeracy, and subject-based interventions
*Implement support strategies from EHCPs and behaviour plans
*Support inclusion within the classroom and specialist provisions
*Assist teachers with lesson preparation and learning resources
*Support targeted interventions and revision sessions
Who should apply
This role is ideal for:
*Aspiring teachers or SEND specialists
*Psychology, education, or youth work graduates
*Teaching Assistants or support staff looking to gain qualifications
*Youth workers, care workers, or mentors
*Career changers passionate about supporting young people with additional needs
No school experience required — just the right attitude and some background working/volunteering with young people or working/volunteering with special needs children or adults.
Requirements:
*Commitment to an 11-month apprenticeship
*GCSE Maths & English Grade C/4+ preferred
*Not currently enrolled on another government-funded course
*MUST have the right to work in the UK on a full time basis
*MUST have lived / worked in the UK for the last 3 years at least
Training & benefits
*Study completed flexibly during school holidays
*£50 Amazon referral voucher
*Full DBS application support
*Clear long-term career progression in SEND and Secondary education
Apply now to start your career as a SEND Teaching Assistant and gain a recognised qualification while you earn.
All applicants must hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check – full support provided.