Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant – Specialist School (Autism & Complex Needs) in Leeds

Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant – Specialist School (Autism & Complex Needs) in Leeds

Leeds Trainee 13 - 13 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
Engage Partners Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children with complex needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
  • Company: Engage Education, a specialist school dedicated to inclusive education.
  • Benefits: Earn £10-£13 per hour, gain a fully funded Level 3 qualification, and receive ongoing support.
  • Other info: Enjoy hands-on experience, flexible study, and excellent career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while kickstarting your career in SEND education.
  • Qualifications: Caring attitude, patience, and a commitment to learning; ideal for psychology or education graduates.

The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.

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

Location: Boston Spa (LS23) 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 Boston Spa.

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.

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 – Specialist School (Autism & Complex Needs) in Leeds 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.

Engage Partners Limited

Contact Details:

Engage Partners Limited Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant – Specialist School (Autism & Complex Needs) in Leeds

Communication Skills
Patience
Empathy
Understanding of Autism
Knowledge of SLD and PMLD
Ability to Support Personal Development
Experience with Visual Supports (Makaton, PECS, AAC)