Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
If you’re looking to specialise as a Teaching Assistant, this apprenticeship will equip you with the skills to support learners with SEND, social and emotional well-being, or specialist areas like EAL, forest schools, and music education.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in various education settings, working alongside colleagues to inspire and support learners of all ages. Throughout the programme, you’ll develop key skills and receive expert guidance, portfolio support, and additional training where needed. If working in Early Years, professional development opportunities will help you meet qualification standards.
Upon completion, you’ll be ready to progress in your career and make a meaningful impact in education.
Topics, units and assessments
As part of the apprenticeship, you will learn about:
- Core - regulation and guidance
- Core - advancing learning
- Core - planning and assessment
- Core - professionalism
- Core - communication
- Option - specialist teaching assistant - SEND
- Option - social and emotional wellbeing specialist - social and emotional wellbeing
- Option - curriculum provision specialist teaching assistant - curriculum provision.
Assessments will include:
- Observation with questions
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
How you’ll learn
Apprentices must complete the minimum requirement of 6 hours of off the job training per week or the equivalent over the practical learning duration (20% of capped 30 working hours).
Off the job training must deliver new skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard and can include:
- Teaching of theory via blended delivery methods
- Practical training
- Work shadowing
- Supported learning and time spent writing any assignments/questions
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Social and Emotional Well-being Assistant
They work closely with young people who may struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, behavioural difficulties, or other emotional barriers to learning.
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Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
HLTAs take on greater responsibility than standard Teaching Assistants, often leading classes in the teacher’s absence and delivering learning support.
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Specialist Education Support Assistant
These assistants often support children with a range of needs and provided tailored support to help students access the curriculum.
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Specialist Learning Assistant
This role focuses on working one-on-one with learners who have different conditions. They help implement learning plans and adapt teaching to suit different needs.
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Grow Future Talent
Apprenticeships offer a structured, hands-on route into vital education roles such as teaching assistants, learning mentors, and early years educators. By nurturing talent from within, schools and education providers can address staff shortages and ensure apprentices gain real-world classroom experience aligned with curriculum needs and pastoral care.
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Build a Stable Support Team
Through apprenticeships, education providers can invest in developing skilled administrative, pastoral, and classroom support staff. This not only helps reduce reliance on temporary or agency staff but also builds a dependable, well-trained team that understands the specific needs of the school community and can grow with the organisation.
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Boost Retention
Apprenticeships help you build a loyal and motivated workforce by offering clear progression and personal development opportunities. When you invest in training, your staff feel valued and supported. This leads to higher job satisfaction, stronger morale, and increased retention, giving you a more stable team and reducing recruitment costs in your education setting.
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Maximise Education Funding
Many schools and education providers are under financial pressure, but apprenticeships offer a cost-effective way to train staff. Employers can use apprenticeship levy funds or access government support to cover training costs, allowing them to reskill their workforce without affecting other essential budgets, aiding in better succession planning.
Employer Hub
Get the information you need on how apprenticeships can benefit your business.
Our Employer Hub provides clear guidance on how apprenticeships can help your business thrive, plus all the details about funding and support you'll get every step of the way to make apprenticeships a key part of your workforce strategy.
Employer solutionsMy apprenticeship has also boosted my confidence and opened up new opportunities for career advancement.
Payal, Apprentice