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.