At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with complex needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Engage Education, a leading specialist school in Bradford.
- Benefits: Earn £10.00–£13.00 per hour and gain a fully funded Level 3 qualification.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in SEND education and ongoing mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while learning on the job.
- Qualifications: Caring attitude and commitment to supporting children with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
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.
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Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant in Bradford employer: Engage Partners Limited
Engage Partners Limited is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career in education, particularly as a Primary Teaching Assistant Apprentice in Dartford. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers a fully funded Level 3 Apprenticeship, comprehensive training, and mentoring, all within a supportive work culture that values learning and development. This role not only allows you to earn while you learn but also provides a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in children's lives.
