Rochester
Apprentice SEND / SEMH Teaching Assistant – Primary School Location: Rochester Pay: £10.00 - £13.00 per hour (above apprenticeship rate) Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Full-Time Earn while you learn as a SEND Teaching Assistant Are you looking for a SEND Teaching Assistant role with training, pay from day one, and real long-term career progression in education? We’re recruiting a Trainee SEND Teaching Assistant to join a supportive Primary School in Rochester, working with students across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 with Social Emotional Mental Health Needs while completing a fully funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. Why this role stands out • £10.00+ per hour (above standard apprenticeship wage), • FREE Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (CACHE), • Clear progression to Level 4 HLTA and specialist SEND roles, • Full mentoring and structured support from Engage Education, • Practical, school-based training with a strong SEND and SEMH focus Key responsibilities • Support students 1:1 and in small groups, • Work with pupils with SEND, complex needs, SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and learning difficulties, • Support emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement, • Assist with literacy, numeracy, and subject-based interventions, • Implement support strategies from EHCPs and behaviour plans, • Support inclusion within the classroom and specialist provisions, • Assist teachers with lesson preparation and learning resources, • Support targeted interventions and revision sessions Who should apply This role is ideal for: • Aspiring teachers or SEND specialists, • Psychology, education, or youth work graduates, • Teaching Assistants or support staff looking to gain qualifications, • Youth workers, care workers, or mentors, • Career changers passionate about supporting young people with additional needs No school experience required — you MUST have personal or professional experience working or being around children with special educational needs (this can include volunteering or looking after family members with special needs) Requirements: • Commitment to an 11-month apprenticeship, • GCSE Maths & English Grade C/4+, • Not currently enrolled on another government-funded course, • Must have lived in the UK for the last 3 years to qualify Training & benefits • Study completed flexibly during school holidays, • £50 Amazon referral voucher, • Full DBS application support, • Clear long-term career progression in SEND and Secondary education Apply now to start your career as a SEND Teaching Assistant and gain a recognised qualification while you earn. All applicants must hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check – full support provided.