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 4–19 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, we’ve 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, Automatic salary increase after 1 year of apprenticeship for those who are 19+
• 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

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.

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

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:

• Safeguarding - Actively safeguard children in your care, promptly reporting any concerns or incidents in line with school procedures.
• Learning Support - Support pupils in a wide range of learning activities both in and out of the classroom.
• 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
• Team Collaboration - Work effectively as part of the class team, sharing responsibilities and contributing to a positive learning environment.
• Personal Care Support - Provide personal care assistance, including toileting and feeding, to meet individual needs across the age range.
• Classroom Preparation - Help create, organise, and maintain classroom resources to support effective teaching and learning.
• Policy Awareness - Stay informed of school policies and actively contribute to their development where appropriate.
• Training & Development - Participate in staff training, including induction and ongoing professional development.
• Team Meetings - Attend and contribute to fortnightly class team meetings.
• Therapy Support - Implement therapy programs as directed by qualified therapists.
• Behaviour Support - Assist in managing distressed or challenging behaviour using approved strategies and physical interventions (once fully trained).
• 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