Programme Overview
This programme provides learners with the opportunity to specialise in fields such as Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), social and emotional wellbeing, or specific curriculum areas like early reading or English as an Additional Language (EAL).
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support the education of learners by providing specialist support. Specialist teaching assistants plan, implement, and adapt activities in order to advance learning and collaborate with qualified professionals, employing research-based strategies to plan, implement, and modify learning activities that promote student progress.
Participants in this programme can work in primary, secondary, or alternative education settings, where they will make a significant impact by fostering inclusion, encouraging positive behaviours, and advocating for children’s needs.
Key Programme Information:
- Level 5 apprenticeship
- Three specialist pathways to choose from
- Supports SEND, social/emotional wellbeing, or curriculum specialisations
- Hands-on experience in real educational settings
- Duration: 18 months (15-month practical period + 3-month End Point Assessment)
- Fully funded and accredited
Progression Routes:
Starting as a Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant (TA) establishes a solid grounding in educational support, with numerous career advancement paths available.
One option is progressing to a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) role. After gaining experience as a Level 5 Specialist TA, you might advance to this position, which often involves additional responsibilities such as leading classes in a teacher’s absence. Achieving HLTA status requires a formal assessment process and sometimes additional coursework.
Another pathway is pursuing Teacher Training to obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). With experience as a Level 5 TA, you could become a fully qualified teacher through several routes. The School-Centered Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) provides a practical, school-based route, while the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) offers a university-led course that includes teaching placements. If you already have substantial teaching experience, the Assessment Only Route (AOR) could grant you QTS without additional coursework.
Leveraging your specialised knowledge, you might explore roles such as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Pastoral Support Lead, or Learning Mentor. These positions may require further qualifications, such as a postgraduate certificate or diploma in areas like SEN or pastoral care.
Educational leadership roles, such as Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher, are also viable options. Typically, these roles are pursued after gaining QTS and significant teaching experience. A postgraduate qualification in educational leadership or management can be advantageous.
Some TAs transition into careers as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, or Behaviour Specialists. These roles usually require further university study at the master’s level.
To progress in these pathways, consider pursuing further qualifications. Additional certifications, diplomas, or degrees in education, teaching, or a related specialisation can create more opportunities. Engage in regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to build skills in areas like SEN, classroom management, or curriculum planning. Gaining experience in different schools or working with diverse age groups and abilities can enhance your expertise and make you a more versatile candidate.
This career path can lead to fulfilling opportunities, allowing you to influence and support students’ educational journeys at multiple levels.
Delivery
The delivery will be done mainly at the workplace, with the off-the-job training accounting for at least 6 hours a week. The assessor will regularly visit you at work to observe you performing relevant tasks and to carry out professional discussions.
You will complete Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
You will receive a login to an on-line portfolio account which can be accessed from any Wifi point or through 3/4G either at work, at home or in our centre. You will be provided with a detailed course programme. At the centre you will have the opportunity to network with other learners, share practice and access different resources to support your learning including laptops, desktops, tablets and textbooks.
End Point Assessment
The end-point assessment (EPA) for the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship contains 2 methods of assessment which will be graded as Pass, Fail, Merit or Distinction:
- Practical Observation with Questions & Answers
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
Duration
18 months (this does not include EPA period)
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.