Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Location: Barking

Apprentice SEND Teaching Assistant – Primary School

Location:

Barking and Dagenham Pay: £9- £12.50 per hour (paid all year round, not just term time only!)

Start Date:

January 2027

Contract:

Full-Time Earn while you learn as a SEND Teaching Assistant Are you looking for a SEND Teaching Assistant role with training, pay for 52 weeks of the year and real long-term career progression in education? We’re recruiting a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant to join a supportive Primary School in Barking and Dagenham, working with students across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 with Social Emotional Mental Health Needs while completing a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 4 HLTA pathway also included).

You would be based in a classroom for students with Social Emotional Mental Health Needs who attend the behaviour class as a recovery centre. Children from other local primary schools are referred to the base when they are in need of urgent behaviour recovery support. Why this role stands out £10.00 per hour (above standard apprenticeship wage) 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 SEMH and very challenging behaviour 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 who have experience of being around young children with mental health difficulties and challenging behaviour No school experience required — however some experience working with or being around children with special needs, specifically those with Social Emotional Mental Health and behavioural challenges.

Requirements:
Commitment to an 11-month apprenticeship GCSE Maths & English Grade C/4 preferred Not currently enrolled on another government-funded course Training & benefits Study completed flexibly during school holidays Paid all year round, not just term time only £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.