Full job descriptionApprentice 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 AssistantAre 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 applyThis 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.