Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – Ark Putney Academy

We are a secondary school and sixth form offering a great education for local children in Wandsworth, London. Here at APA, we are proud to be a “non-selective” school for students aged 11-18. We believe that inclusion and equality breed success. We believe that all students will thrive in an open, inclusive school environment.

We are currently seeking a SEND Teaching Assistant to join our team.

Apprenticeship Summary:

• Salary: £7.55 an hour


• Working Week: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm including a 35 minute break


• Hours: 32 hours per week


• Online apprenticeship training supported by our skilled tutors 


• Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship standard qualification 


• Location: Pullman Gardens, London, SW15 3DG

The Role:

In this role you will support the Inclusion team, and the wider school community, by taking responsibility for the engagement and learning of students identified as having social, emotional, mental health and behavioural needs. 

Main Duties:

Student and Teacher Support

·       Act as Key Worker for vulnerable students, including those with SEN and behavioural needs.

·       Provide individual and small group support in and out of lessons.

·       Help plan and implement behaviour strategies and pastoral support.

·       Support behaviour management, including staff coaching and development.

·       Assist in developing anti-bullying strategies and resources.

·       May provide personal care when needed.

Inclusion Team Support

·       Monitor and support progress of identified students.

·       Share current behaviour strategies and advice.

·       Handle student issues such as bullying, mediation, and restorative work.

·       Lead targeted interventions like self-esteem and social skills sessions.

General Responsibilities

·       Promote student welfare and safeguard children.

·       Ensure data protection compliance.

·       Liaise professionally with colleagues and external contacts.

·       Collaborate with Ark Central and other academies to share best practices.

·       Perform other reasonable tasks as required by management.

The Candidate:

The successful candidate will have the following:

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of A-levels required.


• Experience building positive relationships with students.


• Understanding of learning support roles; experience with families and external agencies is a plus.


• Strong communication skills with students, parents, and partners.


• Skilled in behaviour management and learning strategies.


• Proficient in literacy, numeracy, administration, and IT.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about student potential and equal access to education.


• Strong safeguarding awareness and appropriate action-taking.


• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks.


• Team player with initiative, discretion, and professionalism.


• Calm under pressure with a flexible and sound approach to judgment.

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 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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