Teaching Assistant Apprentice

• Sendsory

• Address:Ipswich, Suffolk IP2

• Salary: £20,597 per annum (actual salary)

• Hours: Full Time (8am - 4.30pm, term time only)

• Contract:Apprenticeship for 18 months

• Reference:0903

Apprenticeship:
Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Level 3 - SEND Pathway

Sendsory is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant Apprentice to join our specialist education team.

This is an exciting opportunity to start your career in SEND education while working towards a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship - SEND Pathway.

As a Teaching Assistant Apprentice, you will work alongside our experienced Therapeutic Teacher and wider team to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will play an important role in helping children develop their learning, communication, emotional regulation, independence and life skills.

You will support children through 1-to-1 and small group sessions, curriculum activities, therapeutic interactions and daily routines. You will also help children develop the skills and confidence they need to build positive relationships, manage their emotions and become increasingly independent.

This is a practical, hands-on apprenticeship where you will learn through experience, training and supervision. You will be supported to develop your understanding of SEND, trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation and positive behaviour support throughout your apprenticeship.

We are looking for someone who is patient, compassionate and genuinely interested in supporting children to reach their potential. You do not need extensive previous experience of working with children with SEND - we are looking for someone with the right attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to making a positive difference.

Supporting Learning and Development:

• deliver engaging, child-centred 1-to-1 and small group sessions under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, including supporting curriculum delivery

• support the implementation of individual children's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes within sessions, under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher

• support pupils to achieve outcomes linked to AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates, under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher

• encourage children to engage positively with learning and activities, adapting your approach to meet your individual needs.

Life Skills, Independence and Communication:

• promote the development of life skills, social communication, emotional regulation and independence through daily routines, structured activities and therapeutic interactions

• encourage pupils to develop confidence, self-help skills and problem-solving abilities

• support children to develop positive peer relationships and social communication skills

• help pupils develop skills that will support them in everyday life and future learning

• provide encouragement and reassurance, helping children to recognise and celebrate their progress and achievements.

Emotional Wellbeing and Therapeutic Support:

• build consistent and positive relationships with pupils, providing a safe and supportive presence throughout the school day

• support emotional regulation, resilience and positive relationships through a trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach

• develop an understanding of individual children's emotional needs, recognising potential triggers and responding with consistent and supportive strategies

• help create an environment that promotes emotional safety, predictability and trust

• model appropriate behaviour, emotional regulation and clear boundaries.

Behaviour Support:

• support children who may experience challenging behaviour, using trauma-informed and restorative approaches

• actively support the de-escalation of challenging behaviour in line with training, organisational procedures and Behaviour Safe in Education principles

• develop an understanding of behaviour as communication and learn to recognise signs that a child may be becoming dysregulated

• work consistently with colleagues to provide children with clear expectations, boundaries and supportive strategies.

Personal Care and Daily Routines:

• provide personal care for children as required, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times.

• support children during breakfast and lunch times, encouraging independence, communication and positive social interaction.

• set up and tidy therapeutic and learning spaces before and after each session, ensuring a safe, welcoming and calming…