Apprenticeship - Learning Support Assistant (TA Specialist Level 5) - Full-time in Ashford

TEACHING ASSISTANT SPECIALIST LEVEL 5 APPRENTICESHIP With a Focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Start Date: September 2026

Hours: 08:00am – 03:30pm (Term‑time only)

Salary: £23,100 FTE / £18,838 pro‑rata

Expected Duration: 21 months

The Norton Knatchbull School are looking for an organised, professional, positive and resilient apprentice to join our school community. The successful candidate will gain experience working 1:1 with students within a secondary school environment. You will engage and motivate pupils who find learning a challenge and have specific learning difficulties including SEMH, ASD/ASC and ADHD. The ability to interact positively with teachers, support staff, parents and students aged 11 to 18 is essential.

What you will do in your working day:

• Provide support for students 1:1 and in small groups to access learning.
• Keep detailed records of learning, observations and provide students and teachers with feedback to inform subsequent provision.
• Build a clear understanding of students learning with reference to the relevant National Curriculum and school assessment documents.
• Organise and deliver small‑group interventions.
• Provide effective support for colleagues.
• Work in close partnership with teachers, parents and carers to improve student outcomes.
• Keep abreast of current developments in Additional Educational Needs.
• Contribute to the management of pupil behaviour.
• Contribute to the safeguarding, health and wellbeing of pupils.
• Provide administrative and organisational support for the Inclusion Manager.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• Consider information shared with other stakeholders, ensuring confidentiality where necessary and appropriate.

The training you will receive:

• Delivered by Heart of England Training (HOET), this Level 5 apprenticeship includes specialist training in SEND, social and emotional well‑being, and curriculum provision.
• Four mandatory day courses: Regulation & Guidance, Advancing Learning, Planning & Assessment, and Professionalism & Communication.
• A structured programme of on‑the‑job training, mock assessments, and professional discussions.
• A mandatory End Point Assessment including observation and portfolio‑based discussion.

Entry Requirements:

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
• Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE Grade 5 or above)

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship:

After successful completion there is the potential to be hired as a full member of staff.

Deadline for applications: Monday 31st August 2026. Interviews will take place as soon as possible thereafter. We reserve the right to interview prior to this date depending on applications received.

It is important for our students to understand and experience the strength and depth of a diverse community. We aim to create a culture that encourages and values diversity, and that appoints, rewards, and promotes staff based on merit. The school has achieved the Race Charter Mark at Bronze level. The Norton Knatchbull School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Only candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.