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.