SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – Ark Walworth Academy

Ark Walworth Academy is a thriving school in the heart of central London. We serve a vibrant, diverse community in Zone 2, with excellent access to all the city has to offer for students and staff alike.

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 8am – 4pm including a 50 minute break


• Hours: 35.5 hours per week


• Online apprenticeship training supported by our skilled tutors 


• Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship standard qualification 


• Location: Ark Walworth Academy, Shorncliffe Road, London, SE1 5UJ

The Role:

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will provide high-quality personal, medical and therapeutic care so that pupils with complex physical, medical and learning needs can access an ambitious curriculum safely, with dignity and maximum independence. The support will include attending to personal care needs (such as feeding, toileting and some medical procedures). You will be instrumental in our mission to provide every student, regardless of their background, a great education and real choices in life.

Main Duties:

• Provide sensitive and respectful personal care to students as needed, including support with toileting, continence routines, dressing, personal hygiene, and menstrual care.


• Deliver medical support following appropriate training, which may include administering gastrostomy feeds, managing feeding pumps, tracheostomy care (suctioning and tube changes), and administering emergency medication such as buccal midazolam.


• Assist with student mobility needs, including safe use of hoists, supporting physiotherapy exercises, and providing wheelchair assistance.


• Provide tailored support to pupils through structured learning programmes, setting high expectations and fostering independence and self-confidence.


• Promote inclusion by encouraging collaborative learning and positive peer interaction.


• Work with the SENCO and teaching staff to assess pupil needs, contribute to and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs).


• Adapt and create resources to support pupils with SEND and EAL, ensuring accessibility, engagement, and safety.


• Support the delivery of external specialist services (e.g. speech and language therapy, physiotherapy).


• Mentor students individually and in small groups; plan and lead targeted booster and intervention sessions to reinforce challenging topics.


• Observe and monitor pupil progress, providing timely and accurate feedback to staff.


• Assist in the preparation of teaching materials and the creation of engaging classroom displays.


• Support whole-class teaching as needed, working under the direction of the teacher.


• Collaborate with teachers to apply effective behaviour management strategies that support learning.


• Assist students in achieving their learning objectives across various settings, including the computer lab, library, and other learning environments.


• Supervise students during break times, lunchtimes, and other non-classroom settings.


• Provide general pastoral support and accompany students on school trips, as required.

The Candidate:

The successful candidate will have the following:

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven ability to build respectful and effective relationships with students


• Solid knowledge of the national curriculum


• Strong literacy, numeracy, and IT skills


• Excellent communication and organisational abilities


• Capable of handling minor incidents, basic first aid, and pupil health/hygiene needs

Personal Qualities

• A genuine belief in every pupil’s potential


• Strong safeguarding awareness and ability to act appropriately on concerns


• Professional, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks


• Positive, caring, and calm under pressure


• Collaborative and able to work independently


• Respects confidentiality and exercises sound judgement

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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