Teaching Assistant Apprentice - Sendsory

Futures Job Shop 002; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

West Suffolk College invites applications for a Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Sendsory, a specialist provision for children aged 4–11 with SEND. You will work with the Therapeutic Teacher and team to support learning, communication, emotional regulation and life skills through 1-to-1 and small-group sessions.

The apprenticeship offers hands-on practice in a therapeutic education setting, with supervision, training in SEND, safeguarding and behaviour support, and a clear path to a Level 3

Qualifications

• General caring attitude and willingness to learn.
• Enthusiasm for SEND education is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1-to-1 and small group sessions under supervision.
• Support EHCP outcomes and therapeutic approaches.
• Support emotional regulation, independence, and life skills.

Job description

Teaching Assistant Apprentice - Sendsory

Sendsory is a specialist Alternative Provision supporting children aged 4–11 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), autism and complex SEND.

As part of the Includa Education Group, we work alongside Re:Link and Steps Inclusion to deliver specialist education, therapeutic support and inclusion services that enable children and young people to achieve positive educational outcomes.

Our approach is child-centred, therapeutic and relational. We recognise that every child is different and work to understand their individual needs, strengths and aspirations.

This apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to develop a career in SEND education and gain valuable experience within a specialist, therapeutic setting.

Sendsoryis looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant Apprentice to join our specialist education team.

This is an exciting opportunity to start your career in SEND education while working towards a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – SEND Pathway.

As a Teaching Assistant Apprentice, you will work alongside our experienced Therapeutic Teacher and wider team to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will play an important role in helping children develop their learning, communication, emotional regulation, independence and life skills.

You will support children through 1-to-1 and small group sessions, curriculum activities, therapeutic interactions and daily routines. You will also help children develop the skills and confidence they need to build positive relationships, manage their emotions and become increasingly independent.

This is a practical, hands-on apprenticeship where you will learn through experience, training and supervision. You will be supported to develop your understanding of SEND, trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation and positive behaviour support throughout your apprenticeship.

We are looking for someone who is patient, compassionate and genuinely interested in supporting children to reach their potential. You do not need extensive previous experience of working with children with SEND - we are looking for someone with the right attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to making a positive difference.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Learning and Development:

• Deliver engaging, child-centred 1-to-1 and small group sessions under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher, including supporting curriculum delivery
• Support the implementation of individual children's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes within sessions, under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher
• Support pupils to achieve outcomes linked to AQA Unit Award Scheme Certificates, under the direction of the Therapeutic Teacher
• Encourage children to engage positively with learning and activities, adapting your approach to meet their individual needs.

Life Skills, Independence and Communication:

• Promote the development of life skills, social communication, emotional regulation and independence through daily routines, structured activities and therapeutic interactions
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence, self-help skills and problem-solving abilities
• Support children to develop positive peer relationships and social communication skills
• Help pupils develop skills that will support them in everyday life and future learning
• Provide encouragement and reassurance, helping children to recognise and celebrate their progress and achievements.

Emotional Wellbeing and Therapeutic Support:

• Build consistent and positive relationships with pupils, providing a safe and supportive presence throughout the school day
• Support emotional regulation, resilience and positive relationships through a trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach
• Develop an understanding of individual children's emotional needs, recognising potential triggers and responding with consistent and supportive strategies
• Help create an environment that promotes emotional safety, predictability and the trust model appropriate behaviour, emotional regulation and clear boundaries.

Behaviour Support:

• Support children who may experience challenging behaviour, using trauma-informed and restorative approaches
• Actively support the de-escalation of challenging behaviour in line with training, organisational procedures and Behaviour Safe in Education principles
• Develop an understanding of behaviour as communication and learn to recognise signs that a child may be becoming dysregulated
• Work consistently with colleagues to provide children with clear expectations, boundaries and supportive strategies.

Personal Care and Daily Routines:

• Provide personal care for children as required, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times.
• Support children during breakfast and lunch times, encouraging independence, communication and positive social interaction.
• Set up and tidy therapeutic and learning spaces before and after each session, ensuring a safe, welcoming and calming environment.
• Support the organisation of the learning environment to ensure resources and activities are prepared and accessible.

Teamwork, Safeguarding and Administration:

• Record and report behaviour incidents, wellbeing concerns and safeguarding concerns in line with organisational procedures
• Attend safeguarding and behaviour briefings and contribute to team debriefs and solution-focused planning
• Work collaboratively with the Therapeutic Teacher and wider team to ensure children receive a consistent approach to their education, wellbeing and support
• Undertake additional duties as directed by the Therapeutic Teacher, including preparing resources, printing, creating visuals, laminating, adapting materials and supporting the organisation of the learning environment
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
• Take an active role in your apprenticeship training, completing required learning, assessments and workplace activities.

Entry requirements

We are looking for someone who is:

• Caring, patient and compassionate, with a genuine interest in supporting children.
• Enthusiastic about developing a career in SEND education
• Willing to learn and open to guidance, training and feedback
• Calm and consistent when supporting children who may experience emotional or behavioural difficulties
• Able to build positive and trusting relationships with children
• A good communicator who can work effectively with children, colleagues and other professionals
• Reliable, organised and able to work as part of a team
• Committed to promoting children's dignity, independence, wellbeing and emotional safety
• Able to follow instructions and organisational procedures, particularly in relation to safeguarding and behaviour support
• Reflective and willing to develop an understanding of trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches
• Previous experience of working with children or young people is desirable but not essential.
• Experience of working with children with SEND would be an advantage, but full training and support will be provided as part of the apprenticeship.

As a Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Sendsory, you will receive:

• A fully supported Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship – SEND Pathway.
• Practical experience working within a specialist SEND and therapeutic education setting
• Training and development in SEND, safeguarding, behaviour support and therapeutic approaches
• Support and supervision from experienced education professionals
• Opportunities to develop your understanding of EHCP outcomes and individualised support
• Experience supporting children's emotional regulation, communication, independence and life skills
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• The opportunity to develop skills and experience for a rewarding career in SEND education
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people.

Closing Date

The closing date for this job offer is on 11/09/2026

West Suffolk College is an ambitious vocational and academic College, with a stunning main campus set in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. We are committed to providing outstanding education to all our students.