SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

**This role is to start in September 2026**

Level 3 Teaching Assistant SEND Apprenticeship - Oakleigh School and the Early Years Centre

We are a primary maintained special school in the Local Authority of Barnet for children who cater for pupils with a wide range of complex and profound learning difficulties. These include severe autism, complex medical conditions, physical and mobility difficulties, as well as severe developmental delay.

Apprenticeship Overview:

• Salary: £8.00 an hour, Automatic pay increase after one year on programme for 19+ year olds

• Working Week: Monday to Friday - 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with a 1-hour lunch break.
• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Duration: 18 months
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship standard qualification
• Online training supported by our dedicated tutor
• Location: Oakleigh Road North, London, N20 0DH
• Website: https://www.oakleighschool.co.uk/

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

As a Teaching Assistant Apprentice, you will:

• Support the classroom teacher in all areas of teaching, learning and assessment, including using Tapestry.
• Develop an understanding of the key strategies used across the school to support individual learning needs, e.g. PECS, TEACCH, Attention Autism, Intensive Interaction.
• Attend training on key strategies and areas of school development.
• Assist with the preparation of learning activities, displays, resources and visual supports.
• Report pupils’ responses to learning activities and record achievement/progress as directed.
• Be willing to take part in all aspects of teaching and learning, including intimate care, play and swimming sessions.
• Understand and contribute to the emotional support of all pupils.
• Support the behaviour and well-being of all pupils.
• Support all of the pupils’ personal needs, including toileting, hygiene, dressing and eating. This may include gastrostomy management, suctioning and tracheostomy care, and administering medication, by an agreed plan, and under the direction of a healthcare practitioner and following appropriate training.
• Follow manual handling procedures to support pupils with physical disabilities.
• Follow Team Teach guidance in the positive handling of children.
• Establish good relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and being aware of and responding appropriately to individual needs.
• Encourage pupils to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher.
• Follow school safeguarding procedures at all times.
• Accompany teaching staff and pupils on educational visits, trips and out-of-school activities.
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, safeguarding, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, and report all concerns to the safeguarding lead.
• Respond to medical or fire alarms where appropriate.
• Be willing to contribute and support the wider activities of the school, e.g. fayres and fundraising events.
• Feedback to the teacher regarding information that may need to be shared with parents, for example, about personal care, health or changes in behaviour.
• Work under the direction of an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Speech or Language Therapist to carry out daily programmes of exercises or routines with pupils as required.

Where you’ll work

Oakleigh Road North, London, N20 0DH

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

Requirements

Desired qualifications

• GCSE English (Grade 4 to 9 or equivalent) desirable
• GCSE Maths (Grade 4 to 9 or equivalent) desirable

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end? The successful candidate will obtain a Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Apprenticeship standard qualification. Each apprentice will have their own dedicated tutor who will conduct monthly remote tutorials and reviews, providing continuous support throughout the apprenticeship program. Depending on the apprentice’s needs, the frequency of these sessions may vary.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship? Potential full-time employment for the right candidate upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Pre-employment checks. Please be aware that upon a successful offer of employment, the company completes digitalised right-to-work checks and DBS applications via an external provider - 'Matrix Screening'. The company also completes an internal online social media search, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

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