Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant

Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant - Specialist School (Autism & Complex Needs)

Location: Bradford
Pay: £10.00 - £13.00 per hour (above apprenticeship rate)
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time Long-Term

Earn while you learn as a Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs?

Engage Education is recruiting a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant in Bradford. This outstanding specialist setting supports pupils aged 5-19 with a wide range of complex learning needs, including Autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), communication needs, and complex medical needs.

You'll earn from your first day in school while completing a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship (CACHE), gaining valuable experience in one of the region's leading specialist schools.

Why choose this opportunity?

• £10.00-£13.00 per hour (well above the apprenticeship minimum wage)
• Fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification (CACHE)
• Learn from highly experienced SEND professionals in an outstanding specialist setting
• Excellent progression into Level 4 HLTA, specialist SEND, therapy support or teaching
• Full mentoring and ongoing support from Engage Education throughout your apprenticeship
• Paid, hands on experience from day one

About the school

The school provides an inclusive, nurturing and highly personalised education for pupils with complex needs. Staff work closely with therapists, families and multidisciplinary teams to help every young person develop academically, socially and emotionally.

The school focuses on developing:

• Communication and interaction skills
• Independence and life skills
• Emotional wellbeing
• Functional literacy and numeracy
• Preparation for adulthood and future independence

Every achievement is celebrated, no matter how small.

Your role

As a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Help pupils with Autism, SLD, PMLD, communication needs and complex learning difficulties
• Support pupils with personal development, independence and life skills
• Assist with communication using visual supports, Makaton, PECS or AAC (training provided where appropriate)
• Encourage positive behaviour through consistent routines and personalised support strategies
• Assist pupils with sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing
• Support classroom activities alongside teachers and therapists
• Help deliver personalised learning programmes and interventions
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families

Who would be perfect for this role?

We welcome applications from people who are caring, patient and eager to learn, including:

• Psychology or Education graduates
• Health & Social Care students
• Teaching Assistants looking to gain a recognised qualification
• Support workers or care assistants
• Youth workers
• Nursery practitioners
• Sports coaches
• Anyone looking to begin a rewarding career in SEND education

Apprenticeship requirements

• Commitment to completing the 11-month Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
• GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/C or above preferred
• Not currently enrolled on another government-funded course
• Right to work in the UK

What you'll receive

• Above apprenticeship pay from day one
• Fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification
• Study completed flexibly during school holidays
• Ongoing mentoring from specialist education consultants
• Enhanced DBS application support
• £50 Amazon referral voucher
• Long-term career progression into SEND, HLTA, therapy support or teacher training

All applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS certificate. Full support will be provided throughout the application process.