SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Freemantles Ripley Infant Satellite Site

Freemantles is a vibrant forward-thinking special school proudly rated Outstanding in all areas by OFSTED in November 2023. We specialise in supporting children and young people aged 419 with complex social communication needs including Autism. From September 2025 we will offer two classes per year group from Reception to Year 11 with 243 pupils on roll. To support this expansion weve recently opened a brand-new Secondary and Further Education building with all facilities ready for full use from March 2025. Freemantles is a dynamic and supportive place to work where innovation collaboration and a deep understanding of our pupils needs are at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join us as a SEND Teaching Assistant Apprentice.

Apprenticeship Summary:

• Salary:7.55 an hour
• Working Week:Monday to Friday 9:15am 3:15pm
• Hours:30 hours per week
• Online apprenticeship training supported by our skilled tutors
• Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship standard qualification
• Location:Wentworth Close Ripley Woking GU23 6ED
• Start Date: Tuesday 2nd September 2025

The Role:

As a SEN Teaching Assistant you will work closely with Teachers the Lead Assistant and other staff to support a safe engaging and nurturing classroom environment. Help deliver a suitable curriculum and care for the students.

Main Duties:

1. Safeguarding - Actively safeguard children in your care promptly reporting any concerns or incidents in line with school procedures.
2. Learning Support - Support pupils in a wide range of learning activities both in and out of the classroom.
3. Wider Curriculum Engagement

• Facilitate play and social interaction during break times
• Accompany children on off-site community-based activities promoting both safety and independence
• Support participation in all curriculum areas including Performing Arts Sports PE and swimming
• Assist with residential visits when required

1. Team Collaboration - Work effectively as part of the class team sharing responsibilities and contributing to a positive learning environment.
2. Personal Care Support - Provide personal care assistance including toileting and feeding to meet individual needs across the age range.
3. Classroom Preparation - Help create organise and maintain classroom resources to support effective teaching and learning.
4. Policy Awareness - Stay informed of school policies and actively contribute to their development where appropriate.
5. Training & Development - Participate in staff training including induction and ongoing professional development.
6. Team Meetings - Attend and contribute to fortnightly class team meetings.
7. Therapy Support - Implement therapy programs as directed by qualified therapists.
8. Behaviour Support - Assist in managing distressed or challenging behaviour using approved strategies and physical interventions (once fully trained).
9. Assistance with Movement & Communication

• Use positive physical support to help pupils transition between activities
• Provide hand-over-hand and gestural guidance to reinforce learning and communication strategies

The Candidate:

The successful candidate will be:

• Flexible
• Able to learn quickly
• A good team player
• Able to stay calm when things get tricky
• Open to training
• Respectful of all others
• A good communicator
• Able to maintain confidentiality
• You do need to be aware that we are a school for children with complex Autism.
• You need to show us you are really interested in working within our school

Other Requirements

• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Commitment to safeguarding equality and professional development.
• Willingness to undergo training and enhanced DBS check.

Training and Development:

As an apprentice you will receive support through both on-the-job learning and formal training as part of your apprenticeship programme. This will typically include:

• Study towards a relevant qualification Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Diploma.
• On-the-job training and mentoring from experienced professionals.
• Regular review meetings to track progress and development.

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

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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