Learning Support Assistant Apprentice

Rivertree Free School is a purpose‑built specialist school in the heart of Kempston, designed to provide exceptional education and care for children and young people with complex learning needs, autism, sensory needs and communication challenges. When fully open, they support up to 200 pupils from Early Years to Post‑16 in a setting built specifically around their needs.

This role is ideal for someone looking to begin a career in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) education, while gaining valuable practical experience and recognised qualifications.

Working under the guidance of the Headteacher and teaching staff, the apprentice will develop the skills and knowledge required to support pupils with a range of learning difficulties, developmental disabilities, and behavioural challenges. The role involves assisting pupils in accessing learning opportunities within the classroom and supporting both individual students and small groups with planned activities and educational programmes.

The successful candidate will help create a positive and inclusive learning environment by supporting pupils throughout the school day, ensuring their safety and wellbeing during lessons, break times, transport arrangements, educational visits, and other school activities. They will work closely with teachers to deliver learning activities, promote engagement, and encourage pupils to achieve their individual goals.

The apprenticeship will also involve implementing behaviour support strategies and communication programmes under the direction of teaching staff. In addition, the apprentice will support pupils with aspects of their personal and social development, including activities that promote independence, wellbeing, and confidence. There may also be opportunities to assist with physical education activities, including PE lessons and swimming sessions.

As part of the role, the apprentice will contribute to monitoring and recording pupil progress, preparing educational resources, creating classroom displays, and supporting wider school activities. Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism when working with pupils and their families will be an important responsibility at all times.

This apprenticeship has been designed to provide practical experience alongside structured training and mentoring. The successful candidate will gain valuable transferable skills in SEND education and support while working towards formal apprenticeship qualifications that will help support future career progression within the education sector.

Training

Level 3 Teaching Assistant.

After the apprenticeship

Successful completion of this apprenticeship will provide a strong foundation for a stable and rewarding career within the education sector. As you gain experience and develop your skills, there may be opportunities to progress into more senior learning support or specialist SEND roles. The knowledge and qualifications achieved through the apprenticeship could also support future progression into teacher training and a career as a fully qualified teacher.

Things to consider

Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College Apprenticeship Recruitment Team, if they meet the initial criteria as part of the recruitment process. Only candidates who have fully completed the application will be considered. Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.

The successful candidates will be required to have an enhanced DBS check. Upon offer, The Bedford Inclusive Learning Trust, will also require the completion of their own application form, including details of your full employment history in date order, starting with the most recent. You will be required to list all employment, career breaks, and periods of unemployment, education and voluntary work since leaving secondary education; without any gaps.

Please note that holidays cannot be taken during term-time.